May 29: Jonathan, Buhari Transition Committees Meet

The federal government’s transition committee and that of the incoming All Progressive Congress (APC) government met jointly yesterday to commence preparations for a smooth transfer of power by President Goodluck Jonathan to the president-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) on May 29.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim and former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, who are co-chairmen of the committee, jointly briefed journalists at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa before the meeting began.
Anyim said there were two parallel committees – transition committee and inauguration committee – that work independent of each other but interface at a point.
He said the inauguration committee are structured to be a joint committee of the present administration and incoming administration and is chaired by him for the outgoing administration and Timipre Sylva from the incoming administration.
The Jonathan’s transition committee has the following as members: Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh and ministers: 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 Ayakenyi; Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali; and Interior, Abba Moro.
Others are the National Security Adviser (NSA) represented by Bello Fadile; IGP Solomon Arase; Minister of State, Defence, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd); Commander, Brigades of Guards, Brig. Gen. A. B. Omozoje and Mrs Ibukun Odusote, Permanent Secretary, Presidency (Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation).
Members of the committee representing the incoming government are Chief Pius Akinyelure, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Ms Sharon Ikeazor, Prof Tony Anwuka, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Sen John Shagaya (retd), Hadiza Bala Usman, Babagana Kingibe, Ismaila Isa Funtua, Senator Binta Masi Garba, Engr Babachir Lawal and Hon Samson Osagie.
Briefing journalists, Anyim said: “The mandate of the committee is to draw up programmes of activities for the inauguration ceremony, arrange invitations and accommodation for foreign and local dignitaries, organise approved programme of activities, draw up budget for the programme of activities and co-opt into subcommittees persons that may be necessary to assist in the discharge of activities. The inauguration has had two meetings thus far.”
According to him, the committee has planned one week programme of activities, including press briefings, Jumat prayers, inter-denominational church service, inauguration dinner, swearing-in ceremony, and a gala night.
“We have accordingly created sub-committees to focus on each activity. The co-chairmen and members of the sub-committees may now or later take their turns in briefing the public on their activities,” he said.