APC governors ask DSS to arrest ‘unpatriotic elements’ behind ‘evil’ interim government plot

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest and prosecute those planning to install an interim government.

On Wednesday, the secret police said it confirmed a plot “by some key players” to install an interim government and stop Bola Ahmed Tinubu from being inaugurated as president.

The intelligence has since elicited a debate among Nigerians.

In a statement on Friday, Atiku Bagudu, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and governor of Kebbi, said it is “ironic” that “some self-serving individuals are unfortunately seeking to sabotage our democratic progress”.

“After a democratic contest, parties are free to exercise the legal right of going to court,” Bagudu said.

“Indeed, 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.

“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 results.

“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any undemocratic conduct that is capable of undermining our democracy.

“Our country has done well in promoting democracy both in Nigeria and elsewhere in the African Continent, and it is sad that some unpatriotic elements are nursing the evil plot for interim government, which will amount to subverting our national democratic progress.

“It 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 government’s commitment towards a successful inauguration of a new president on May 29th, 2023.”

TheCable reported on Thursday that Olisa Agbakoba, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said interim government is alien to the country’s constitution.