Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the plot for an interim government.
Deploring the clamour for an interim government to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29 despite the emergence of a president-elect, the APC governors under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) implored Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any undemocratic conduct that is capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by chairman of the PGF and Kebbi State governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the APC governors applauded the Department of Security Services (DSS) for exposing the plot, saying the secret police must arrest and prosecute masterminds of the plot.
The statement made available to LEADERSHIP noted: “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 State Services 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.”
The governors of the governing party hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the transition programme as well as the support of all security agencies.
They stated: “It 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 29, 2023.
“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.”
In a related development, state governors have accused the Department Of State Services ( DSS) of overheating the polity by not arresting those it claimed were plotting an interim government.
The governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors forum called on the DSS to arrest those behind the plot as a matter of urgency .
Chairman of NGF and Sokoto State governor disclosed this on Thursday night after a meeting of the forum in Abuja .
According to him, the forum deliberated extensively on the alleged plot by some unscrupulous elements to install an interim government, as contained in the recent statement issued by the DSS.
He said; “Governors condemned in the strongest terms, any unconstitutional means of regime change and pledged its commitment to continue to defend Nigeria’s democracy as elected leaders.
“In addition, the forum believes that issuing statements without arrests is akin to heating up the polity and causing unwarranted tension in the country.
“It called on the DSS to do its job by immediately arresting and prosecuting all those involved in the plot as a matter of urgency.
JUST-IN: DSS Confirms Interim Govt Plot, Lists Plotters, Modus Operandi
While admitting that the general elections was not perfect, the governors said “we will take advantage of the learning points to strengthen our democracy and electoral processes.
Regarding the refund of backlog of stamp duties due to state governments, Tambuwal said the Forum restated its commitment to engaging with all stakeholders and exploring all legal channels available to it in ensuring that monies which ought to have since been used for development projects are duly refunded to the States.
On the Implementation of the National Development Plan (2021-2025), he said the Forum nominated six (6) Governors to represent the six geopolitical zones of the country in the National Steering Committee.
He said; “North Central – Governor of Kwara State, North East – Governor of Bauchi State, North West – Governor of Zamfara State,
“South South – Governor of Edo State, South East – Governor of Anambra State and South West – Governor of Ekiti State
Tambuwal said the forum received a briefing on the cancellation of the proposed privatization of Five (5) National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) by National Council on Privatization (NCP) .
He said “ and the withdrawal of the matter at the Federal High Court between the 36 States of the Federation Vs the Federal Government of Nigeria which was instituted to halt the process to enable stakeholders address the concerns by States and Local Governments who collectively own a joint stake of 53% in the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
“Members applauded this move by the NCP which appears to have taken into consideration the recommendation of the States to halt the process due to ill-timing amongst other reasons.
