I will hand over to next govt on May 29, 2023 – Buhari replies Clarke over tenure extension

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to a comment by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Robert Clarke who called for the President to extend his tenure by six months

In a statement by Presidential spokesman Garba Shehu, he said Clarke may be sincere in his wish following the issue of insecurity bedevlling the country. He however maintained that Buhari “will step down on May 29th, 2023, after serving two terms – as per the constitution.”

“He shall, in turn, hand the privilege of serving the people of Nigeria to whomever they choose through free, fair and credible elections,” the statement said.

“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. 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.

“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.”