Senate President, David Mark, has said that the Senate will not support any interim national government because it is alien to 1999 constitution.
This declaration put to rest speculations that the Peoples Democratic Party might use interim government to elongate President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.
Mark, in his welcome speech to senators following their resumption from the one month election break urged the senators to help reduce the political tension in the nation.
He said “These are not ordinary times in our nation. There is palpable tension in the land and the comments and even the body language of the political class further exacerbates the tension.
“As statesmen and women, we must rise to the occasion and help reduce tension. We must refrain from acts or statements that will aggravate this already charged atmosphere across the country.
“This is time for us to be true statesmen and women; both in words and deeds. I am alarmed that the issue of the Interim National Government has been given undeserved prominence in our national discourse.
“This is imprecise, sordid and strange. Interim National Government is alien to the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Therefore, those calling for ING are pushing for an exercise in futility. “
He added that it is the duty of the Senate to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission conducts a free and fair election.