The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said on Saturday that the activities of the opposition parties and their candidates in calling out their supporters to protest outcome of February 25 presidential poll are unconstitutional and a breach of national security.
Tinubu described the acts as treasonable and subversive.
“We are aware of the intentions of those engaged in these treasonable and subversive acts. We also know those involved in the many plots being contrived to undermine the transition in particular and democracy in general.
“It is perplexing to see that those contesting the results want to be in the courts and on the streets at the same time.
“They are fixated on an Interim Government. They have done it in this country before and it threw the country into avoidable crises for many years and they want to do it again,” Persecondnews quotes Tinubu as saying in a statement.
The statement is signed by his Director, Public Affairs and Minister of State Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN).
He alleged that the opposition are hell-bent on de-legitimizing the smooth transition of government, noting that “Nigeria is not a lawless country and should not be portrayed as such no matter the frustrations.”
Tinubu said they are aware of those sponsoring and stoking the embers of hate, division and falsehood in the aftermath of the elections.
Calling for calm, he said: “We simply wish that peace reigns in the country. It does not make sense that some persons who should know better are encouraging violence and are so determined to achieve that.
“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.
“We wish to reiterate and emphasize that these positions are not in tandem with our constitutional provisions or our electoral laws.
“We would have taken these as mere wishful thinking, however, because of their implications for national security and public order, we have therefore considered it necessary, if not expedient, to call them to order.
“They are bent on de-legitimizing the new government. Some have made treasonable insinuations and openly called for military take-over. It is for these reasons that they are desperate to incite the people against the incoming Government.
“It is perplexing to see that those contesting the results want to be in the courts and on the streets at the same time. However, if their intention is to truncate the inauguration of the President-elect and Vice-President-elect, they should immediately bury the thought.
“It is gratifying to note that the President has set in motion steps for the actualization of the swearing-in ceremonies. In this regard, the Presidential Transition Council has remained focused and committed to its Terms of Reference in respect of organizing a hitch-free handover.
“He has pledged fairness as the basis for his present and future engagements. He has unequivocally stated that he would not accord favor to those that supported him, and neither would he mistreat those who did not vote for him. This is statesmanly and patriotic.”
The statement also said:”We all watched the President-elect as Governor of Lagos for eight years. He never undermined any person or tribe. He championed people-oriented policies.
“It is common knowledge that he is a welfarist and a pacifist. This is even more so that millions of citizens have spoken through the ballot box in his favour.
“By being declared winners, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima are legally entitled to be inaugurated into office as provided for by law and as we have practiced since 1999, whilst those who feel otherwise have the right to seek legal redress in court. Why should their situation be different from what we have practiced since 1999?
“Those who are dissatisfied with the declaration must conduct themselves within the ambits of the law.”
Persecondnews recalls that Tinubu has during the week travelled to France, UK and Saudi Arabia.
“The President-elect decided to take a break after the hectic campaign and election season to rest in Paris and London, preparatory to going to Saudi Arabia for Umrah (Lesser Hajj) and the Ramadan Fasting that begins Thursday.
“While away, the President-Elect will also use the opportunity to plan his transition program,” Tunde Rahman, media aide to Tinubu, said.
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