Senate President, David Mark, yesterday dismissed reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is planning to foist an interim government on the country.
In his welcome address on resumption of plenary after a month’s recess, Mark said the idea of an interim government was not only sordid, it was also strange as there was no such provision in the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
His words: “Ordinarily, we would have commenced our legislative activities this morning without a welcome address. But, these are not ordinary times in our nation. There is palpable tension in the land and the comments and even the body language of the political class further exacerbate the tension.
“As statesmen and women, we must rise to the occasion and help reduce tension. We must refrain from acts or statements that will aggravate this already charged atmosphere across the country. This is time for us to be true statesmen and women, both in words and deeds.
“I am alarmed that the issue of Interim National Government (ING) has been given undeserved prominence in our national discourse. This is imprecise, sordid and strange. Interim National Government is alien to the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Therefore, those calling for ING are pushing for an exercise in futility. This Senate is committed to the provisions of our constitution, which we swore to protect, and we will not do anything to sabotage the democratic process.
“I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to prepare to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible general election.
“We owe it a duty to our country men and women to give INEC all the support it needs to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election.”
