Don’t impose interim govt, SMBLF warns FG

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has raised concern over the state of the nation and the 2023 general elections but warned that any attempt to impose “an interim government”, will be resisted.

The organisation also expressed worry over the current hardship being faced by Nigerians due to the unavailability of new naira notes, the fuel situation, and the problems with the collection of Permanent Voter Cards.

The SMBLF raised the issues in a communique made available to journalists after its extraordinary meeting in Abuja on Friday.

The communique was signed by Chief Edwin Clark (South South); Chief Ayo Adebanjo (Afenifere);  Dr. Pogu Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum); Dame Betty Igbeyi (PANDEF); Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; and Ambassador Okey Emuchay (Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide).

The communique read, “SMBLF urges Nigerians to go out en masse, in all the 176, 846 polling units across the country, on election day, February 25 2023, to exercise their franchise and give to the Nation a President who will bring about the “change” we truly desire and deserve.

“It cautions political stakeholders, particularly the candidates and their supporters, at all levels, to shun all acts of violence, before, during, and after the elections. Let us give peace a chance; Nigeria is our country, and we do not have any other.

“It warns that any attempt to scuttle the 2023 general elections and impose an interim government will be vehemently resisted.”

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