JIST-IN: FG Tagged 2023 Transition ‘Nigeria: Better Together’ – Boss Mustapha

Boss Mustapha, who doubles as the Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council, while unveiling the inauguration programmes, disclosed that Tinubu and the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima would be honoured with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and Grand Commander of Order of the Niger, respectively, on 25 May 2023.

Winding out the activities for the event, he further disclosed that transition documents would be handed over to Tinubu and Shettima on the same day.

Speaking on various court cases seeking the cancellation of the ceremony; the transition committee chairman insisted that the handover would hold despite the court cases seeking the cancellation of the ceremony.

“The inauguration would not be stopped pending the determination of the cases in court. This is not the first time we have had elections. In my political life, I have seen different transitions”.

‘’From Shagari’s period to Buhari, the inauguration went on despite court cases. In 2003, Buhari spent months at the tribunal up till the Supreme Court. He repeated the process three times. The only election that was not litigated was in 2015 when Jonathan conceded defeat. With or without litigation, the handover will be held on 29 May 2023. The Constitution and Electoral Act are clear on this.”

The SGF disclosed that the theme for the inauguration is, ‘Nigeria: Better Together,’ adding that the event is historic for the country as well as the international community.

He added, “The upcoming event is historically significant to this great nation and the international community, particularly Africa 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 swearing in programme scheduled as follows:

Inauguration lecture

Boss Mustapha said the former president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, would deliver the inauguration lecture.

The lecture titled, ‘Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development’ would be held on 27 May 2023.

Other activities include the Regimental Dinner in honour of the Commander-in-Chief at the Armed Forces Officers Mess slated for Tuesday, 23 May 2023; the Valedictory Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Council Chambers inside the Presidential Villa on 24 May 2023; Public Lecture and Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque on 26 May 2023; Children’s Day Parade and Party on 27 May 2023 and an Inter-denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre on 28 May 2023.

 Also, the Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night at the State House Conference Centre is billed for May 28 while the inauguration/swearing-in of the president-elect and the vice president-elect will take place on May 29 accompanied by an inauguration parade at the Eagle Square.

There will also be a post-inauguration luncheon strictly for the President with his colleague Presidents, Heads of Government and guests at the State House Banquet Hall after the inauguration ceremony.

The SGF revealed that many world leaders had indicated interest in attending the event.

“So far, invitations have been sent to 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,’’ he affirmed.

But when asked about the identities of the leaders, the SGF said, “Diplomatic privilege does not allow us to announce the number of people coming. If you know what is happening globally, we cannot tell you who is coming. We leave that to their embassies to make it public.”

"I am delighted to inform you that May 29, 2023, will mark the seventh 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".