Comr. Idris Miliki Abdul,
Excecutive Director
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, has described comments credited to Elderstatesman, Chief Afe Babalola calling for an interim administration in 2023 as worrisome, a surprise and an utterance that should be condemned in strong terms.
The Rights Activists in a statement lamented that an Elderstatesman would under the pretext of freedom of opinion and speech make such a comment calling for the suspension of the Nation’s constitution after the expiration of the tenure of President Mohammadu Buhari.
According to the statement, he said “the speech alluded to the senior citizen and even Senior lawyer, Afe Babalola, calling for an interim government after the expiration of the current Administration should be condemned in all ramification.
” Elections have been fixed for next year February 11, for the office of the president and all National Assembly while March 25th has been fixed for the office of governor and State House of Assembly where applicable according to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.
” The institution statutory put in place by law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
” Rather than all Nigerians, particularly senior citizens to come out with meaningful suggestions and workable strategy that can secure our country towards peaceful conduct of elections”, lamented that Chief Afe Babalola would be engaging in provocative pronouncements, that would not do the nation any good.
He said such utterances by the Elderstatesman can lead to constitution crisis of monumental proportion.
Comr. Miliki wondered if there is a provision for an interim administration in the 1999 constitution as amended, called for caution and statements that would cause crisis by Nigerians ahead the 2023 General elections.