Some Nigerians yesterday staged a peaceful protest against calls for an interim government and asked opposition leaders to accept the results of the February 25, presidential poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the winner of the election, but the candidates of the major opposition parties have rejected the results.
The protesters, under the umbrella of “The Natives” who marched to the headquarters of INEC in Abuja, said the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election was still fresh in the minds of the people and warned that the scenario must not play out again in the interest of peace, fairness, equity and justice.
Briefing newsmen, leader of the protesters, Hon Smart Edwards, said, “Those calling for an interim government are jokers. What we are saying is that The Natives of Nigeria are of all tribes and colouration. It is impossible for anybody to attempt an interim government.
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“President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken clearly and that is why we came out today in solidarity with what the president said; that he would hand over to Asiwaju Tinubu. Let’s give peace a chance.
“We believe that MKO Abiola’s soul will rest in peace on the day Bola Ahmed Tinubu takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari. I am appealing in the name of the Almighty God to all Nigerians to please give peace a chance. We cannot continue to protest on the streets every day.”