Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, has warned that alleged plans for an interim government are unconstitutional and must be resisted, as they would constitute a major setback for the country. In a statement issued on Thursday, Agbakoba expressed shock at learning from the Department of State Services that such a plot was being hatched. The statement, titled “No constitutional provision for an interim government,” called for the gravest possible consequences for anyone associated with this treasonable intent.
Agbakoba noted that the general elections had been held, albeit under challenging circumstances, and a President‑elect had emerged. “We must respect and accept this as fact, at least for now,” he said. He pointed out that all leading presidential candidates had approached the courts with complaints about alleged electoral irregularities. “If the presidential candidates have accepted the democratic process by lodging petitions before the courts, it is difficult to understand why anyone would consider an interim government a viable and legal alternative,” he added. He urged everyone to reject the notion and to respect the Constitution, which provides no provision for interim arrangements.
He further emphasized that the President‑elect will be sworn in on May 29, after which the judicial process will render its decisions on the pending petitions. “As Nigerians, we must turn to the courts to decide these matters. The judicial process will carry a huge responsibility in the consolidation of our democracy,” Agbakoba said. He concluded by stating that the “contraption” of an interim government has no place in Nigeria’s life or constitution, and called on all citizens to say no.
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