By Starrys Obazei | May 26, 2023.
starrys@ddnewsonline.com
The Natives, a pro-democracy group, have staged a peaceful march in the heart of Abuja, sending out a stern warning to members of the opposition against any idea of forming a parallel government.
Olalekan Smart Edwards, the Natives’ supreme leader, who addressed the procession at the precinct of the Court of Appeal called on those pushing the idea to perish the thought in the interest of the country.
“We are here at Appeal Court today to state categorically that we the Natives of Nigeria will not allow the idea of parallel government. In fact, the idea should be dead by now,” he said.
“And we warn strongly the proponents of this evil to perish the idea because Nigeria is not a banana republic where law and order do not exist. President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure will never be extended beyond Monday, May 29. He is a Democrat and will end up as a hero.
“We would like to inform these misguided persons that President Muhammadu Buhari is not available for compromise, he has earned the status of a statesman with an international reputation.
“As a tested democrat and a hero. He is not a despot as they made many believe. Buhari is not a tyrant or a dictator. The President has earned all the accolades of the restorer of June 12, apologizing to Nigerians on behalf of the Military so this President is not available for interim government.
“Not even Vice President Osinbajo will commit himself to murder or ruin our democracy or arrest the judiciary on their behalf. On what planet are the promoters of a parallel government living? No one group or persons nor party should act as sovereigns, they are not and will never be.
“Hence we call on their sponsors to refrain from this unstable, insane, and undemocratic act that will only expose them as political neophytes.
“Finally, we boldly declare that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a day with history and shall be sworn in on Monday, May 29 unfailingly, until the Supreme Court of the land rules otherwise or affirms the victory.”
The group drawn from ethnic nationalities from across the country threw its weight behind the Supreme Court decision which struck out the suit that sought to invalidate the victory by the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the recently held general elections.
Edward disclosed that his group would embark on a night vigil till Monday when Tinubu would be sworn into office, adding it was incumbent on the opposition to desist from acts that could undermine democracy and the rule of law.
He added: “Their discontent like many can be acknowledged but it must not defeat sanity and the sanctity of our courts. Our Courts are sacred institutions and their decisions are based on facts, not fictions.
“To this end, we rise up again to be counted, in defense of our country, its courts, and citizens, as we take a unity walk to the Appeal Court today, to confront the increasingly dangerous and perfidious acts of sabotage against matters that should only be left for judges up to the Supreme Court to decide.
The group saluted the outgoing administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for standing firm and avoiding distraction in the performance of their last constitutional duties in office.