A joint committee of the outgoing and incoming governments met on Thursday to discuss issues that will ensure a smooth handover of power on May 29.
Co-chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Pius Anyim, and former Bayelsa state Governor, Timipre Sylva, who heads the delegation of the incoming government, the committee is to among other things see to a successful presidential inauguration.
The terms of reference for the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee include the drawing up the programmes 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 sub committees persons that may be necessary to assist the committees.
Members of the federal government team include Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh; ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, 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 permanent secretary, Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Ibukun Odusote.
The team of the incoming administration are Timipre Sylva, 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.
At the end of the meeting, Anyim told journalists that they agreed on a one-week long series of activities.
These include press briefings, Jumat prayers, inter-denominational church service, inauguration dinner, swearing-in ceremony and a gala night.