…says it’s unconstitutional, plotters mischievous, won’t succeed
. ‘We have a president-elect, we support Presidency’s stand’
Armed Forces, on Thursday, labeled those plotting interim national government as “mischievous” and warned the proponents of such unconstitutional ventures and ideas to desist immediately.
The military high command also warned kidnappers, other criminals and their sponsors to give up their nefarious activities following the release of cash into circulation by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
It stressed that troops would not hesitate to neutralise any criminal caught in the act.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, disclosed these at Defence Headquarters in Abuja while fielding questions from newsmen after the bi-weekly press briefing update on the activities of Armed Forces of Nigeria operations between March 23 and April 6, 2023.
“On the issue of interim government, it is rather unfortunate, an election has been conducted and INEC, who is mandated, has announced a president-elect, it is not our responsibility to speak on that issue,” the military spokesman said.
Danmadami said the military is ready to provide support in two states where the governorship election was declared inconclusive.
He also stated that the military is still working round the clock to ensure there is peace and security throughout the country.
Danmadami added, “But I know that several calls have been made from the Presidency that there is nothing like an interim national government. So, I think people were just trying to be mischievous, it is unconstitutional.
“And all of us know that the constitution does not provide for an interim national government and that is the point the Presidency has been hammering on, and that is our stand because that is what the constitution says, it is unconstitutional. So, anything unconstitutional as far as I’m concerned, is not applicable”.
The military spokesman said the resurgence of the activities of kidnappers might not be unconnected with the availability of cash, warning that the military would not relent in dealing with the criminals.
He said, “I don’t want to say categorically clear but we are all aware that before the cash crunch, they kidnap anybody, but now there is no cash to pay, the criminals have to make use of the fact that there is no cash.
“Unfortunately, with the reversal of the policy making cash available, the criminals have impetus to do what they are doing. Though, I know that there are still some elements of cash squeeze going on. We are equally faced with that problem of cash crunch.
“However, I want to assure you that the Military, we are still doing our job, we have not rested.”