May 29: Ajakaiye Warns Against Constitutional Crisis

Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, has warned those calling for the suspension of the inauguration of the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023 against creating any constitutional crisis in the country.

Ajakaye stressed the need for President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over power to Tinubu as planned.

He spoke on Sunday in his homily marking the 57th World Communications Day, held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The cleric said the call was not realistic since Buhari must leave office for the elected president as stipulated by the constitution.

“President Buhari will end his two-term of right years on the said day and there must never be a vacuum.  Why the call for the suspension of the inauguration of the president-elect until the determination of the court?”

The bishop said, “A new us is possible In Nigeria,” adding that “until we fashion out a lawful way or lawful ways of addressing legion of electoral matters before the stipulated date of 29 May of any electoral year.

“All those inaugurated on the day and their elections are subsequently nullified by the court, up to the Supreme Court, such people must refund their salaries and other emoluments within the period they held forth illegally. Not only that, such people are not to be addressed as former this, former that, because the courts have ruled against them.”

The Catholic bishop said there is need to continue to emphasize internal democracy in all the political parties for real democracy to be an avenue of good governance in Nigeria.

Ajakaye who suggested that Independent candidacy is needed now in Nigerian politics more than ever before said, “I encourage the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote politics of engagement, not politics of intimidation, if his renewed hope has to be meaningful and positive than outgoing President Buhari’s ‘Change’. A new us is possible in Nigeria”.