Elder statesman, Robert Clarke wants President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure to be extended.
He said this would enable him to solve the current insecurity before the 2023 general elections.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) made the call during an interview on Arise Television.
He argued that the constitution allows the President to continue in office for six months if the atmosphere for elections is not conducive.
Clarke said the belief that the President cannot stay in office for more than eight years was incorrect.
“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.
“The alternative is for Mr President to continue, allow the security watches to carry up the mopping up and Nigeria will become stable.”
Clarke insists that without stability and security in the country, Nigeria might not grow as there may be no investors.
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 (DHQ) dismissed the advice and pledged alliance 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”.
