Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN

Erudite lawyer and former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN has said it was shocking to him to learn from the Department of State Security that there were secret plans to institute an Interim National Government ING, saying that if allowed to scale through, would undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and transition.

He also insists that such arrangement, which has no constitutional provision, will also be a major set-back to the country and therefore urged citizens to resist such plans.

In a statement made available to our correspondent, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said: “I suggest that the gravest possible consequences must be applied to all who are associated with this treasonable intent. The general elections have held, albeit under the most challenging circumstance. But a president- elect has emerged and we must respect and accept this as fact at least for now.

“All leading Presidential candidates have approached the courts with grounds of complaint concerning what they consider as electoral irregularities. If the presidential candidates have accepted the democratic process by lodging petitions before the courts, then it is very difficult to understand upon what basis anyone considers that an interim government is a viable and legal alternative. We must all reject this nonsense and respect our Constitution, which has no provision for interim arrangements.

As the President – elect is sworn into office on May 29, the judicial process will ultimately render a decision. As Nigerians, we must turn to the Courts to render a decision on the petitions before them. The Judicial process will certainly carry a huge responsibility in the process of democratic consolidation. The notion of the contraption referred to as interim government, has no place in our lives and our constitution. WE MUST ALL SAY NO.”