By: Taiwo Amodu – Abuja
The forum of Governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the agitation for an Interim National Government, calling on the Department of State Service (DSS) to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the agitation.
The governor’s reaction was on the heels of a statement by the DSS, alerting the nation of the plot and warning the masterminds of what it described as treasonable move.
Kebbi State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in a statement on Friday equally cautioned those behind the agitation.
Governor Bagudu, who described the idea as inimical to the progress achieved by the nation in its democratic journey advised aggrieved individuals to make a recourse to the Court to challenge the outcome of the general elections.
The statement also urged “all Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any undemocratic conduct that is capable of undermining our democracy.”
It read in part: “The progressive Governors Forum note the press statement issued by the Department of Security Service on the unfortunate, condemnable and treasonable conduct of some undemocratic elements who are agitating for an interim Government. We condemn such agitation. It is commendable, however, that the Department of Security Service exposed the plot, and we call upon them to arrest and prosecute anyone involved.
“It 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 progress.
“After a democratic contest, parties are free to exercise the legal right of going to court. 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. Furthermore, 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. Equally we appreciate the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the transition as well as the support of all security agencies.
“We therefore call on all citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support Nigeria’s democratic development, which the campaign for interim government is meant to truncate.”
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