Hope Uzodinma
HighlightTop StoryTrending Story

Uzodinma to Babalola: Call for interim govt in 2023 an invitation to anarchy

254

Legal icon and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola’s call for an interim administration in lieu of the 2023 polls is a call to anarchy, Imo Gov. Hope Uzodinma has said.

“By May 29, 2023, if there is no elected government, our Constitution has not provided for an interregnum. There should not 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. 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,’’ Uzodinma said.

Persecondnews recalls that Babalola, who is the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, had advised the Federal Government at a news conference to suspend the 2023 polls to pave way for a six-month interim government after Buhari’s exit.

According to him, the new people’s Constitution will be able to address insecurity, economic, political and other excruciating ills facing
Nigeria and also provide for part-time legislators and non-executive President.

He suggested that the interim government should comprise all former presidents and vice-presidents, some selected ministers and governors and delegates of prominent professional associations.

Babalola said: “The same constitution has made politics become not only very attractive, but the only lucrative business in Nigeria today.

“What this means is that any election that holds under the present scenario will end up producing transactional and recycled leaders, with no ability to turn things around.’’

The governor told State House correspondents: “If you think there is an opinion 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 opinions,’’

Uzodinma, who had earlier met with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, advised those who had problems with the 1999 Constitution to approach the National Assembly for amendment.

On the spate of attacks in Imo, Uzodinma claimed that the killings in the state and other parts of Southeast are being sponsored by desperate politicians who are hell-bent to grab power.

He said the death of INEC adhoc staff at a continuous voter’s registration centre in Ihitte Uboma was carried out by frustrated gunmen who had planned to attack the Correctional Facility in Okigwe.

“The incident that happened that involved INEC staff, regrettably INEC was not the target. We had the intelligence that the Correctional Centre was to be attacked by bandits.

“We recorded their conversation and fortified the Correctional Centre for safety. And true to it, the bandits, approaching Okigwe, saw how fortified the place is tried to escaped through Ihitte Uboma and ran into INEC staff when they were doing continuous voters registration. It was out of that anger and frustration that they attacked them.

“You must have heard that two of the bandits have been arrested and are helping the Nigerian police and Imo state government to do a very thorough investigation,’’ the governor said.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Lagos, Abuja airports receive full NCAA certification

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport...

Day 3 of African Military Games: Nigerian Armed Forces Shine, Win 17 Medals

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made a remarkable impact at the ongoing...

Eight secondary school boys seize, gang-rape 14-year-old schoolgirl in Ogun

A 14-year-old schoolgirl in the Ijebu-Mushin area of Ogun State has been...

FG raises N346bln at Nov. 2024 bond auction, reflecting strong investor interest

The Federal Government has successfully raised N346.155 billion at its November 2024...

Breaking: Supreme Court Nullifies National Lottery Act

The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted...

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Just in: Senate confirms Omolola Oloworaran as DG PENCOM

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Omolola Oloworaran for appointment...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Just in: Senate approves Tinubu’s $2.2 bln loan request

The Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s loan request of $2.2...

Just in: Reps reject bill for six-year single tenure for president, governors

The House of Representatives rejected a constitutional amendment bill on Thursday seeking...

Just in: Simon Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland over terror-related activities

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...