Primetweets
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian President-elect, has expressed his alarm over alleged attempts by some disgruntled individuals to disrupt the transition process, particularly his planned inauguration on May 29. In a statement released by his Director of Public Affairs and Minister of State Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN, Tinubu also warned the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, against taking to the streets while pursuing their cases in court.
The statement issued on Saturday in Abuja highlighted that those protesting against Tinubu’s mandate are aiming to establish an Interim National Government (ING). It reads, “We have watched with great concern the condemnable activities of some persons and groups who are desirous of truncating our democracy. For reasons best known to them, these persons have remained embittered that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared winner of the 2023 General Elections. Repeatedly, but unfortunately, these misguided individuals have called for either the cancellation of the results or that the President-elect should not be inaugurated on the 29th of May, 2023.”
The statement further noted that those contesting the results should not take to the streets as it is unconstitutional and against electoral laws. It added that those involved in the plots to undermine democracy are fixated on an Interim Government, which could lead to avoidable crises for many years.
Tinubu’s public speeches and utterances have been centered on reconciliation, forgiveness and a greater vision for Nigeria. He is aware of those sponsoring violent protests against his mandate and their sponsors from within and outside Nigeria and will be working closely with security agencies to apprehend them and bring them to justice. He has pledged fairness as the basis for his present and future engagements and has stated that he would not accord favoritism to those that supported him.
The statement concluded by urging those dissatisfied with the declaration to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law and to refrain from inciting hate, division and falsehoods. It also warned that those determined to scuttle the process will be apprehended and brought to book.
