The Presidency has said the transfer of power from President Muhammadu Buhari to another democratically elected leader on May 29, 2023, remains sacrosanct.
Gatekeepers News reports that Presidency’s position was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
The Presidency position was in response to comments by a senior lawyer, Robert Clarke, who, in an interview suggested that the President remains in office for six extra months to address insecurity.
He said while Clarke was correct on the need for the nation to be secured, Buhari will not extend his tenure.
The Presidency further noted that new challenges have arisen and tackled in turn – whether its the National Livestock Transformation Plan to alleviate herder-farmer clashes, the elimination of the leadership of ISWAP, or new efforts to combat banditry.
It said till the last day of the regime, the security of Nigerians shall remain its priority.
The statement read in part “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 realise 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 has been forced back from controlling the whole swathes of this country.
“Internally Displaced Persons are now returning to rebuild their communities. These achievements have been accomplished through the bravery and determination of the Nigerian armed forces and the fortitude of the people of our nation.
“We shall finish the job. Yet, in any case, respect for the constitution and Nigerians’ democratic rights remains the best path to securing and then maintaining peace.”
