The Presidency has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has no intention to extend his tenure beyond the date allowed by the Nigerian constitution.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Tuesday night by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
Recall that Chief Robert Clarke (SAN) had stated that Buhari can and should extend his tenure for another six months after his tenure expires on 29, May 2023, to tackle insecurity rocking the nation.
Reacting, Shehu said: “We wish to categorically restate that the President will step down on May 29th, 2023, after serving two terms – as per the constitution.
“Having been the first recipient of a democratic transfer of power from an incumbent administration to an opposition candidate in Nigerian history, the President is committed to extending and entrenching democratic values across the country. He shall, in turn, hand the privilege of serving the people of Nigeria to whomever they choose through free, fair and credible elections.
“However, Chief Clarke is right to say that without security, Nigeria would not likely realize its true potential as a peaceful and prosperous nation. That is why it has been at the core of this administration. The results are there for all to see. Boko Haram terrorists have been forced back from controlling whole swathes of this country. Internally Displaced Persons are now returning to rebuild their communities. This achievement has been accomplished through the bravery and determination of the Nigerian armed forces and the fortitude of the people of our nation.
“New challenges have arisen and tackled in turn – whether it’s the National Livestock Transformation Plan to alleviate herder-farmer clashes, the elimination of the leadership of ISWAP, or new efforts to combat banditry. Till the last day of the administration, the security of the citizens shall remain the administration’s paramount concern.”
He stated that Buhari is focused on finishing the job given to him by Nigerians, adding that the President will also respect the constitution.
“Yet there are others, such as Chief Afe Babalola, (SAN), that believe elections should be suspended, with the current elected government replaced by an interim unelected administration.
“This, he claims, is necessary to create a new constitution for the people, made possible, paradoxically, by ignoring their democratic rights. Down that path lies crisis and instability.
“Instead, this administration proposes something entirely simpler: honouring the constitution and people’s right to decide,” he said.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News