Mark rules out interim national government before polls

David Mark, senate president, has described as an exercise in futility, calls for an interim national government to oversee the general election.

Addressing senators on the floor of the upper chamber on Tuesday, Mark emphasised that interim national government was alien to the constitution.

“Interim national government has been gaining undeserved prominence in our national discourse. It is sordid and it is strange,” he said.

“Interim national government is alien to the 1999 constitution (as amended). Therefore, those calling for it are pushing for an exercise in futility.

“This senate is committed to provisions of our constitution, which we swore to protect; and we would not do anything to sabotage the democratic process.”

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue preparing to conduct a free, fair and credible general election. He also implored Nigerians to support the commission.

“It is important to note that on May 29, 2015 a democratic government elected through a free, fair, transparent and credible election will be sworn in,” he added.

Mohammed Adoke, attorney-general of general of the federation and minister of justice, had earlier dismissed the calls for an interim national government, saying no provision of the constitution supported it.