Â
Governors elected under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC have reacted to agitations by some elements to have an Interim National Government in place, rather than swear in the President-Elect, AsĂwĂĄjĂș Bola Tinubu on May 29.
Urging the Department of State Services DSS to initiate the arrest and prosecution of those sponsoring such agitations, the governors said the development is not only treasonable but designed to truncate Nigeriaâs democracy.
Chairman of the Progressive Governorsâ Forum PGF and Governor of Kebbi state Abubakar Atiku Bagudu gave the charge on Friday in a statement issued on behalf of his colleagues.
He said; âThe Progressive Governorsâ Forum notes the press statement issued by the Department of State Services DSS on the unfortunate, condemnable and treasonable conduct of some undemocratic elements who are agitating for an interim government.
âWe condemn such agitations. It is commendable, however, that the Department of State Services exposed the plot, and we call upon them to arrest and prosecute anyone involved.
âIt is ironic that after the Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in which all the major parties recorded varying successes and disappointments in different constituencies, and with our country being appreciated around the globe, some self-serving individuals are unfortunately seeking to sabotage our democratic progressâ.
The governors noted that after a democratic contest, parties are free to exercise their legal rights of going to court.
âIndeed, it was widely reported that the PDP and LP had chosen to go to the Presidential Election Tribunal to challenge the outcome of the presidential election, which was won by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC.
âFurthermore, in all the 36 states of the Federation, tribunals have also been established to provide opportunity to those who participated in the various elections but otherwise feeling dissatisfied, to challenge the resultsâ, Bagudu added.
The statement urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any undemocratic conduct that is capable of undermining our democracy, noting that Nigeria has done well in promoting democracy both internally and elsewhere in the Africa.
âIt is sad that some unpatriotic elements are nursing the evil plot for interim government, which will amount to subverting our national democratic progress.
âIt is commendable however, that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Transitional Council issued a statement restating the Federal Governmentâs commitment towards a successful inauguration of a new President on May 29th, 2023.
âEqually, we appreciate the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the transition as well as the support of all security agencies.
âWe therefore call on all citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support Nigeriaâs democratic development, which the campaign for interim government is meant to truncateâ, the governors added.