The DSS, it said, should go the whole hog by “immediately arresting and prosecuting all those involved in the plot as a matter of urgency.”

Its words: “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 Department for State Services (DSS).

“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.”

The forum congratulated its members who were re-elected for a second term in office.

It said while the last elections were not perfect, “we will take advantage of the learning points to strengthen our democracy and electoral processes.”

APC govs seek arrest of ‘unpatriotic elements’ plotting ‘evil’ interim govt

In a similar communiqué, governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the DSS should not waste time to go after those planning to install an interim government.

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Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, noted 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, some self-serving individuals were, unfortunately, seeking to sabotage the country’s democratic progress.

He said: “The Progressive Governors Forum note the press statement issued by the Department of State 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.”

The forum added that after a democratic contest, parties are free to exercise the legal right of going to court.

The governors noted that it was widely reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) had chosen to go to the Presidential Election Tribunal to challenge the outcome of the presidential election, which was won by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of APC.

They also said in all the 36 states of the country, tribunals have also been established to provide opportunities for those who participated in the various elections but felt dissatisfied to challenge the results.

The governors also urged 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, sadly, some unpatriotic elements are nursing the evil plot for the interim government, which will amount to subverting our national democratic progress,” The APC governors said.

The forum commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Transitional Council for issuing a statement restating the federal government’s commitment towards a successful inauguration of a new President on May 29, 2023.

It called on all citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support Nigeria’s democratic development, which the campaign for the interim government was meant to truncate.

It’s undemocratic, unacceptable, says IPAC

The umbrella body of registered political parties in the country, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), also condemned the plot and dismissed interim government as “civilian coup, treason, absolutely undemocratic and unacceptable.”

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National Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Sani Yabagi, said in a statement that the group rejected in its entirety any attempt to “scuttle, subvert and truncate the nation’s emerging democracy by reactionary and retrogressive forces.”

He added: “It is an attempt to overheat the polity, cause confusion, political upheavals, impasse and quagmire as was the case in the infamous annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election that necessitated the hasty set up of an interim government by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, which was headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan in August 1993.

“The court declared it illegal and the interim national government was overthrown by Gen. Sani Abacha in November same year,” he said.

Yabagi challenged the intelligence service to name the plotters, arrest and prosecute them in accordance with the law of the land, to serve as a deterrent to others who would resort to self-help to achieve their selfish political ambitions.

He reiterated the council’s call on all aggrieved political parties, candidates and supporters to eschew violence in all its ramifications and seek redress in court for perceived infractions and irregularities in the conduct of the 2023 general election.

“Council further urged the judiciary to dispense justice without fear or favour as the temple of justice and last hope of all aggrieved persons.

“All eyes are on the Judiciary to justify the confidence the people reposed in it by upholding the rule of law.

“That is the only way to assuage the anger in the land and maintain the sanctity of the ballot box,” Yabagi said.

He said that IPAC would continue to stand against anti-democratic forces in whatever guise while appreciating and commending those adding value to Nigeria’s nascent democracy.

Yabagi expressed the council’s appreciation to Prof. Nnenna Nwannaya-Oti, the INEC’s Returning Officer in the March 18 Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Abia State, for her exemplary conduct and impressive performance during the exercise.

He said the council’s commendation was predicated upon her ability to rise above pressure and deliver on her statutory mandate without fear or favour.

The IPAC Chairman expressed the hope that others could emulate her virtue of integrity, which according to him, is lacking among some public officers put in positions of trust.

Apprehend, prosecute brains behind Interim Govt plot; NGF, IPAC urge DSS

The Nation