Transition c’ttee unveils programme

The presidential inauguration planning committee on Thursday met at the State House in Abuja and rolled out a one-week handover programme.
The committee is in charge of the activities of the May 29 handover by President Goodluck Jonathan to the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).
The committee is subdivided into a joint committee of the outgoing and incoming administrations co-chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim and former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva respectively.
Briefing State House journalists after the meeting, Anyim said the inauguration committee had planned a one-week programme of activities “each of which is as important as the other”.
According to him, the programme includes Jumaat prayers, an inter-denominational ‎church service, an inauguration dinner, the ‎swearing-in ceremony, a launch immediately after the swearing-in ceremony and a gala night‎.
The SGF said the two parallel transition committees would work independently, but would interface at a point.
Anyim said the sub-committees were created ‎to focus on each activity, adding that the co-chairmen and members might also “take their turns in briefing the public on their activities”.
‎He listed the mandate of the committee as including drawing up programmes of activities for the inauguration ceremony, ‎arranging invitations and accommodation for foreign and local dignitaries, organising approving the programme of activities, drawing up budget‎ for the programme of activities and co-opting into subcommittees persons that may necessarily assist in the discharge of activities.
Anyim, who said the committee had held two meetings so far, explained that the press briefing was aimed at seeking the understanding, support and participation of the public in the inauguration.
Members of the committee from the outgoing administration are Chief of Defence‎ Air Chief Marsall Alex Badeh, FCT Minister Bala Mohammed, Water Resources Minister Sarah Ochekpe, Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, Culture and Tourism Minister Eden Duke, Lands Housing Minister Akon Ayakenyi, Foreign Affairs Minister Aminu Wali, Interior Minister Abba Moro,  Bello Fadile, Inspector-General of Police Solomon Aresa, Minister of State for Defence Austin Akobundu, Commander Brigades of Guards Brig-Gen. A.B. Omozoje and Mrs. Ibukun Odusote.

Members of the committee from the incoming administration’s side are Pius Akinyelure, Abike Dabiri Erewa, Sharon Ikeazor, ‎Prof. Tony Anwuka, Kawu Baraje, Senator John Shagaya, Hadiza Bala Usman, Babagana Kingibe, Ismaila Isa Tuntua, Senator Binta Masi Garba, Babachir Lawal and Samson Osagie.