Mark dismisses alleged interim government plot, says May 29 sacrosanct

President of the Nigerian Senate, David Mark, has described the call for
Interim National Government by some Nigerians as ‘’imprecise, sordid and
strange’’ to the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Mr. Mark stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the resumed sitting of the
Senate after its one-month recess.
Mark said that the issue of polls rescheduling and the call for interim
government had been given undeserved prominence across the country.
According to him, the Senate will not be part of any move to violate the
provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which the lawmakers have sworn to
uphold.
“I am alarmed that the issue of Interim National Government has been given
underserved prominence in our national discourse. Interim National
Government is alien to the 1999 Constitution as amended. Therefore, those
calling for it are calling for an exercise in futility,” Mr. Mark stated
“This Senate is committed to the provisions of our constitution which we
swore to protect and we will not do anything to sabotage the democratic
process. It is important to note that on the 29th of May, 2015, a
democratically elected government, through a free, fair, transparent and
credible election will be sworn in.”
Mr. Mark called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to use
the six weeks extension to continue to put measures in place to ensure a
free, fair and credible election.
He also urged Nigerians to support INEC in its effort to conduct a
transparent election, adding that all Nigerians, including lawmakers, should
desist from making comments that would instigate violence.
“These are not ordinary times in our nation; there is palpable tension in the
land. Comments and even the body language of the political class further
exacerbate the tension. As statesmen and women, we must rise to the
occasion and help reduce this tension.
“We must refrain from acts that will aggravate this already charged
atmosphere across the country. I urge you, my distinguished bosses, to be
dedicated to our constitutional duties as you have always done,” he said.
Mr. Mark further urged Nigerians to be true statesmen and women both in
words and deeds to douse the tension in the nation.