10 days to go: FG unveils presidential inauguration schedule, insists no going back on May 29
Joel Oladele, Abuja
As Nigerians look forward to May 29 with some still doubting if the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be inaugurated or not, the Federal Government has again reiterated its commitment towards a peaceful and lawful transition of power without any delay.
This was disclosed at the World Press Conference in Abuja on Thursday addressed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
The SGF said President Muhammadu Buhari has directed relevant government institutions to support the transition process by working with the President-Elect’s Team.
The SGF who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council, said, “Let me once again assure Nigerians and indeed the global community of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the seamless transfer of power to President-Elect, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In demonstration of this commitment, the President has directed all relevant government institutions to cooperate with and support the transition process through engagement with the President-elect’s Team.
“It is for this reason that President Buhari amongst other things, approved the inclusion of the team as part of the Federal Government delegation to the World Bank/IMF Spring meetings in Washington DC in April, 2023.”
Mustapha stated further that the inauguration with the theme ‘NIGERIA: Better Together’ is of great significance to the country and the global community at large as it is a clear demonstration of democracy.
“The upcoming event is historically significant to this great nation and the international community, particularly Africa because of the democratic values and lessons in nationhood. For these reasons, we have chosen, ‘NIGERIA: Better Together,’ as the theme for the 2023 transition.
“I am delighted to inform you that May 29, 2023 will mark the 7th consecutive democratic transition of power in Nigeria and on that day, we shall all be ushering in the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The significance of the above is underscored by the desire of this administration to lay a solid foundation for seamless transition of power by institutionalising the process through legislation.
“In February, 2023, the President through Executive Order 14, approved the establishment of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC). The 24-member Council inclusive of two representatives of the President-Elect was inaugurated on 14th February 2023.
“The Council is charged with the responsibility of facilitating and managing Presidential Transition. In the course of this process, the PTC established three main Committees namely: Inauguration Committee under Chairmanship of the SGF; Transition Documents Committee under the Chairmanship of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; and Security, Facilities and Intelligence Committee under the Chairmanship of the National Security Adviser,” he said.
“In furtherance of discharging its functions, the PTC also interfaced with leading democratic nations including the United States of America and the Republic of Kenya, as part of its learning efforts to pick up useful lessons in line with international best practices.
“It is important to also state that these countries have specific legislations on Presidential Transition, some of which date back to 1963. It is our expectation that a specific legislation on presidential transition in Nigeria, would be passed soon.
“The PTC also built on the foundation laid by the Transition Technical Task Team (TTTT) which I inaugurated in December 2022. The Task Team is the product of a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and development partners including FCDO-PERL; NESG, NGF; KPMG; TBI and we remain grateful to these partners,” the SGF stated.
He, therefore, unveiled the schedule of activities marking the 2023 Presidential Inauguration which started with the World Press Conference on Thursday, to be followed by Regimental Dinner in honour of the Commander in Chief Armed Forces Officers Mess on Tuesday 23rd May, 2023.
From Tuesday 23rd of May, the activities are expected to run daily till the D-Day, which is 29th of May when the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Alhaji Kashim Shettima will be officially inaugurated at the Eagles Square, Abuja.
He charged Nigerians to embrace the moment as adequate measures have been put in place for the safety and security of all people throughout the inauguration period.
“All events will be broadcast live on all major stations and streamed on various social media platforms. Detailed information including accreditation arrangements, would be provided by the Media and Publicity sub-Committee.
“So far invitations have been sent to the Presidents and Heads of Government as well as Heads of International Organisations. We are also glad to report that many of these invitees have confirmed attendance in person.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this event is historic for our nation and I enjoin every one to embrace this moment as proud Nigerians. It is a moment made for togetherness, unity, peace and progress.
“Finally, let me assure everyone that adequate arrangements have been made for the safety and security of all people throughout the inauguration period,” Mustapha assured.
