Elder Statesman, Robert Clarke, has called for the extension of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure by six months to enable him combat the lingering insecurity in the country.
He said this during an interview on Arise Television that the president needed more time to quell the fire of insecurity.
According to the statesman, the alter is in line with the Constitution in as much as it does not exceed six months.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also argued claims that a Nigerian president cannot stay in office after the completion of his two terms are untrue.
He emphasised: “If the situation in which we are in now continues and it is impossible to vote in the 2023 election, the constitution says the President will inform the INEC.
“In view of all insurgencies, kidnappings, Boko Haram, I don’t think in these different areas of Nigeria, we can have a good election. I don’t see how what is happening today can be stopped within six months from today or before February next year when the elections will be held,” he said.
He, however, highlighted that the alternative is for the president to continue, allow the security watches to carry up the mopping up and Nigeria will become stable.
Clarke maintained that only peace can attract investors into the country.
In May 2021, the senior citizen asked the military to take over the Federal Government.
Clarke told Buhari to step aside and allow the Armed Forces to hold sway temporarily and restructure Nigeria.
In a reaction, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the advice and pledged allegiance to civil rule.
The military vowed to remain “apolitical, subordinate to the civil authority, firmly loyal to the Commander-in-Chief, President Buhari and the constitution”.