Presidential inauguration: FG, APC inauguration committees meet

In preparation for the May 29 handover date and presidential inauguration, a joint committee of the outgoing and incoming governments 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 (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyimm for outgoing government, and former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva for incoming government.

Terms of reference for the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee (PIPC) include: To draw up the programme of activities for the inauguration ceremony; arrange invitation and accommodation for local and foreign dignitaries; to draw up budget for the programme of activities; organise the approved programme of activities; co-opt into sub-committees persons that may be necessary to assist the committees.

Briefing journalists before the commencement of the closed door meeting which is the second in the week, the SGF listed the members of the two committees to include: members of the Anyim led committee include chief of defence staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh; ministers of 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 for defence, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd); commander, Brigades of Guards, Brig. Gen. A. B. Omozoje and Ibukun Odusote, permanent secretary, Presidency (Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation).