Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be inaugurated as the 16th president of Nigeria on May 29. A number of foreign leaders have expressed interest in being present.
Boss Mustapha, the chairman of the Presidential Transition Council and secretary to the government of the federation, said this on Thursday at a news conference in Abuja.
When asked to estimate the number of international leaders expected at the gathering, Mustapha stated that he was unable to do so due to security concerns.
He said that the President-elect would be given the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, which is only bestowed to presidents.
Because of the democratic principles and lessons in nationhood, he claimed, the inauguration is historically significant for Nigeria and the rest of the world, especially for Africa.
“For these reasons, we have chosen ‘Nigeria: Better Together’, as the theme for the 2023 transition.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Let me once again assure Nigerians and indeed the global community of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the seamless transfer of power to the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In a 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 with great delight, therefore, that I unveil the schedule of activities marking the 2023 Presidential Inauguration. They are as follows:
“Tuesday 23rd May 2023: Regimental Dinner in honour of the Commander in Chief; 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;
“Friday 26th May, 2023: Public Lecture and Jumaat Prayer, National Mosque @ 10:00 am & 1:30 pm;
“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;
“Saturday 27th May, 2023: Children’s Day Programme; Sunday, 28th May, 2023: Inter-denominational Church Service at National Christian Centre and Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night at State House Conference Centre;
“Monday, 29th May, 2023: Inauguration Parade/Swearing-In at Eagle Square, CBD by 10:00am;
“Monday, 29th May, 2023: Post Inauguration Luncheon at State House Banquet Hall by 1:30 pm (Strictly for Mr. President with brother Presidents, Heads of Government and his invited guests).
“So far invitations have been sent to the Presidents and Heads of Government as well as Heads of International Organisations. We are also glad to report that many of these invitees have.
“Finally, let me assure everyone that adequate arrangements have been made for the safety and security of all people throughout the inauguration period”.