Protesters at appeal court: We’ll resist any attempt to have parallel government in Nigeria

A group known as the Natives says it will resist any attempt by anyone seeking to have a parallel government in the country.

The group staged a demonstration on Friday at the court of appeal, the venue of the presidential election petition tribunal in the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja

Speaking with reporters during the demonstration, Smart Edwards, leader of the group, said Nigeria is not a “banana republic” where there is no law and order.

“We are here at the appeal court today to state categorically that we the Natives of Nigeria will not allow the idea of a parallel government,” Edwards said.

“In fact, the idea should be dead by now and we strongly warn the proponents of this evil to perish the idea because Nigeria is not a banana republic where law and order does not exist.

“Our attention has been drawn to some incredulous persons who have been brainwashed into imagining victory at the 2023 polls, whose constant cantankerous and mischievous attempts to desecrate our electoral institutions and justify their judicial brigandage are becoming intolerable.”

Edwards commended the outgoing administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for “avoiding distraction in the performance of their last constitutional duties in office”.

“We also congratulate the president-elect and the vice-president-elect on their well-deserved honours of GCFR and GCON. Indeed, what they received are emblems of our sacred trust in their ability to unify the country and turn the fortunes of our nation around, so help them, God,” he said.

“We would like to know if any Nigerian regardless of their status have such rights to promote anarchy and desecrate the courts, threaten its judges, advocate parallel government or openly promote chaos. We will not allow it and such will not happen.

“With them claiming knowledge of intendment, intentions, letters and interpretations of the spirit of the constitution and erroneously forcing it on the judiciary as the expected outcome.”

He said his group would keep a vigil on the streets of Abuja until Bola Tinubu, president-elect, takes the oath of office.