The Presidential Transition Council (PTC) has unveiled the approved programme of events to mark the inauguration of President-Elect, Bola Tinubu, who would be sworn in on May 29.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of PTC, Boss Mustapha, unveiled the programme of events at a World Press Conference in Abuja.
He said activities to mark the inauguration, which has the theme “Nigeria: Better Together” had commenced with the world press conference.
He further said the conference was organised to brief Nigerians and the entire world on activities of the presidential inauguration.
Another activity in the build up to May 29 according to him is Regimental Dinner in honor of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, scheduled for Tuesday, May 23.
The SGF added that there would be a Valedictory Federal Executive Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 24.
He further said Thursday, May 25 would be Investiture of the President-Elect and Vice-President-Elect.
Mustapha said the president-elect would be bestowed with the National Honors of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
He also said the vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima, would be honoured with the Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON).
He further said that there would be “Handover of Transition Documents”, all on the same day.
According to the PTC chairman, there will be a Public Lecture and Jumaat Prayer on May 26 and Inauguration Lecture on Saturday, May 27.
The topic of the lecture is “Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development” to be delivered by former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta.
Mustapha further said there would be a programme to mark Children’s Day on May 27.
He also said there would be an Inter-denominational Church Service on Sunday, May 28 while the Inauguration Parade and Swearing-In, which is the grand finale, would be on Monday May 29.
He added that there would be a Post Inauguration Luncheon for Presidents, Heads of Government and other invited guests.
Mustapha said all events would be broadcast live on all major stations and streamed on various social media platforms.
“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.
“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.”
Mustapha said May 29, 2023 would mark the 7th consecutive democratic transition of power in Nigeria.
He added that it would be ushering in the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The upcoming event is historically significant to this great nation and the international community, particularly Africa.
“This is 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.”
The PTC chairman assured Nigerians and the global community of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to seamless transfer of power.
“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.
“The President also approved the inclusion of the PTC team as part of the Federal Government’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington in April.”
On responsibility of PTC, Mustapha said three main committees were established to carry out different roles.
He listed the committees as: Inauguration Committee under the chairmanship of the SGF and the Transition Documents Committee under the chairmanship of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The third committee is the Committee on Security, Facilities and Intelligence under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser, Rtd Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno.
Mustapha gave assurance of adequate security throughout the period of the inauguration.
The world press conference was attended by Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu and a representative of the President-elect, James Faleke.
Other dignitaries in attendance include the National Security Adviser (Monguno), federal lawmakers, permanent secretaries, members of civil society organisations and the media, among others.
