2023: PTC affirms  Presidential Inauguration historic for Nigerians, releases schedule of events

*Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of Presidential Transition Council, says inauguration of the incoming administration is ‘historic’ for the West African country, and ‘a moment made for togetherness, unity, peace and progress’

Isola Moses |  ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria has released the programme of activities marking the 2023 Presidential Inauguration of the incoming administration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

ConsumerConnect reports Mr. Boss Mustapha, CFR, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) announced this development at a World Press Conference, which the Council held Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Abuja, FCT.

Mustapha, who welcomed the media representatives from within and outside the country in his address, said their attendance was an indication that Nigerians and the global community are desirous of supporting the process of democratic transition of power from one administration to the other in Nigeria.

The Chairman of PTC affirmed the upcoming Presidential inauguration ceremony is historically significant to both the West African country and the international community, “particularly Africa because of the democratic values and lessons in nationhood.”

According him, the PTC has chosen, ‘NIGERIA: Better Together’, as the theme for the 2023 transition.

Mustapha also noted: “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 SGF stressed the significance of the transition process is also underscored by the desire of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to “lay a solid foundation for seamless transition of power by institutionalising the process through legislation.”

Executive Order 14 heralds PTC

Mustapha recalled the President through Executive Order 14 issued  approved the establishment of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC).

The 24-member Council inclusive of two representatives of the President-Elect was inaugurated February 14, 2023.

He restated “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: (i) Inauguration Committee under Chairmanship of the SGF; (ii) Transition Documents Committee under the Chairmanship of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; and (iii) Security, Facilities and Intelligence Committee under the Chairmanship of the National Security Adviser.

“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.”

The Chairman said: “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.”

Buhari committed to seamless transfer of power to incoming administration

The Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council also told reporters of the current administration’s commitment to peaceful, seamless transition of power.

The Council had also sent invitations to Presidents and Heads of Government, as well as Heads of International Organisations, said he.

Mustapha 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 among other things, approved the inclusion of the team as part of the Federal Government delegation to the World Bank/IMF Spring meetings in Washington, D.C., in April, 2023, he noted.

Schedule of Inauguration Programme, by PTC

The Chairman of PTC, therefore, unveiled the schedule of activities marking the 2023 Presidential Inauguration as follows:

Thursday, 18th May, 2023 –

World Press Conference by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in The Rotunda Hall , Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CBD, Abuja

Tuesday, 23rd  May, 2023 –

Regimental Dinner in honour of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Officers Mess @ 7:00p.m.

Wednesday, 24th May, 2023 -Valedictory Federal Executive Council Meeting

Council Chambers, Presidential Villa

Thursday, 25th May, 2023 –

Investiture of the President-Elect and Vice-President-Elect with the National Honours of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON) respectively and Handover of Transition Documents

State House at Conference Centre @ 10:00a.m.

(Guests to be seated by 9:00am)

Friday, 26th May, 2023 –

Public Lecture and  Jumat Prayer

National Mosque @ 10:00am & 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, 27th May, 2023 –

Inauguration Lecture on the topic: “Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development”, by His Excellency, Uhuru M. Kenyatta, former President of Kenya International Conference Centre, @ 10:00a.m.

(Guests to be seated by 9:00a.m.)

Saturday, 27th May, 2023

Children’s Day Programme

(i) Parade;  and Children’s Party at Old Parade Ground @ 10:00a.m.

(ii) State House Conference Centre @ 2:00p.m.

Sunday, 28th May, 2023

Inter-denominational Church Service

National Christian Centre @ 10:00a.m.

(Congregation to be seated by 9:00a.m.)

Sunday, 28th May, 2023

Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night State House Conference Centre @7:00p.m.

(Guests to be seated by 6:00 p.m.)

Monday, 29th May, 2023

Inauguration Parade/Swearing-In

Eagle Square, CBD @ 10:00a.m.

All Guests to be seated by 8:30a.m.

Monday, 29th May, 2023

Post Inauguration Luncheon

State House Banquet Hall @ 1:30 pm (Strictly for Mr. President with brother Presidents, Heads of Government and his invited guests).

According to the PTC Chairman, all events will be broadcast live on all major stations and streamed on various social media platforms, while detailed information, including accreditation arrangements, will be provided by the Media and Publicity sub-Committee.

It’s a moment for ‘togetherness, peace and progress’

He stated: “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.”

The Chairman added: “Let me assure everyone that adequate arrangements have been made for the safety and security of all people throughout the inauguration period.”

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