MOSCOW: The deputy head of Libya's ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) has announced his resignation after the national wave of mass protests against the new government, Al Jazeera TV channel reported.
"My resignation is for the benefit of the nation and is required at this stage," Abdel Hafiz Ghoga was quoted as saying.
"Unfortunately, the consensus has not continued to maintain the highest national interests. The atmosphere of deprivation and hatred has prevailed," he said.
Over 3,000 Libyans in Benghazi rallied Saturday to demand that Sharia law be the main source of the country's legislation.
Libya saw almost ten months of fierce fighting before the NTC established control over the country's territory.
In October, NTC head Mustafa Abdel Jalil said the Islamic Sharia law will be the basis for the laws in the newly liberated Libya and any existing laws that contradict it will be abolished.
A crowd demanding the government's resignation stormed the NTC local headquarters in Benghazi Saturday.
"I do not want this atmosphere to continue and negatively affect the National Transitional Council and its performance," Ghoga added.