2023: Afe Babalola Wrong For Calling For Interim Govt – Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State says legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola was wrong to have called for an interim government in 2023.

The governor described the suggestion made by the prominent lawyer as a call to anarchy, asking well-meaning Nigerians to reject such opinions.

He made these known on Tuesday in a chat with State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Naija News recalls that Babalola had advised President Buhari to postpone the 2023 general elections and set up an interim government.

He said the interim government should be in place for six months after the expiration of President Buhari’s tenure and should draft a new constitution that is people-oriented to replace the current 1999 constitution that is currently operational in Nigeria.

During a press conference on Monday, Babalola said the step will give the opportunity to correct some of the challenges such as insecurity and poor economy which Nigeria is battling with.

He argued that if the 2023 general election is allowed to hold as planned, then the challenges facing the country will automatically continue as the same crop of leaders will be recycled.

Reacting, Uzodinma said the nation’s constitution has no room for an interim government as suggested by the renowned lawyer, adding that such a call is undemocratic.

He asked the lawyer to state what means would be used to determine the interim government if there is no election to replace the current administration in 2023.

Uzodinma, however, asked Babalola to take his suggestion to the National Assembly in order for the lawmakers to factor in such an opinion during the constitution amendment.

He said: “By May 29, if there is no elected government, our constitution has not provided for an interregnum. There shouldn’t be a gap, otherwise, you are creating room for anarchy.

“What will be the process of selecting the interim government because, after May 29, the president may not have constitutional powers to function as a president anymore? So, I don’t think we will decide to abandon our constitution.

“Constitution is like a bible. For some of us who are Christians, the Bible is the manager of our faith. So, the Constitution should be the instrument guiding our actions as a country.

“If you think there is an opinion you think that is worthy to be canvassed superior to what is in the Nigerian constitution, such opinion should be taken to the National Assembly and they will through due process amend our constitution to factor in such an opinion.”