Jonathan, Buhari teams meet in preparation for May 29 handover and Presidential Inauguration

In preparation for the May 29 handover and Presidential Inauguration, a joint committee of the outgoing and incoming government met on Thursday to discuss issues that will ensure a smooth transition.

The committee is co-chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, who represents the outgoing government, and former Bayelsa state Governor, Timipre Sylva, who leads the delegation of the incoming government.



The terms of reference for the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee include drawing up the programme of activities for the inauguration ceremony; arranging invitation and accommodation of local and foreign dignitaries; drawing up budget for the programme of activities; organising the approved programme of activities; and co-opting into subcommittees persons that may be necessary to assist the committees.

Members of the Anyim led committee include; Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshall, Alex Badeh; Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, Aviation, Osita Chidoka, Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Akon Eyakenyi, Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali, Interior, Abba Moro, office of National Security Adviser, Bello Fadile, IGP Solomon Aresa, Minister of State Defence, Austin Akobundu, Commander Brigades of Guards, A. B. Omozoje, and Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Permanent Secretary, Presidency (Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation).

Members of incoming government are Timipre Sylva, (co-chairman), Pius Akinyelure, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Sharon Ikeazor, Tony Anwuka, Kawu Baraje, John Shagaya, Hadiza Bala-Usman, Babagana Kingibe, Ismaila Funtua, Senator Binta Masi Garba, Babachir Lawal and Samson Osagie.

Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa, Mr. Anyim said the committee has planned a one-week programme of activity.

They include press briefing, Jumat prayers, inter-denominational church service, inauguration dinner, swearing-in ceremony, and a gala night.

“We have accordingly created sub-committees to focus on each activity,” he added. “The co-chairmen and members of the sub-committees may now or later take their turns in briefing the public on their activities.”