Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and co-chair, former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, jointly briefed State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
There are two parallel transition and inauguration committees, according to Anyim, that will be working independent of each other but would interface at a point.
The inauguration committee is structured to be joint committee of the present administration and incoming administration and is chaired by the SGF for the present administration and Sylva for the incoming administration.
On the side of the Jonathan administration, Anyim is the chairman, while members include the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marsall, 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 Eyikenyi, Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali, Interior, Abba Moro, office of National Security Adviser, Bello Fadile, IGP Solomon Arase, Minister of State, Defence, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), Commander, Brigade 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 inauguration committee representing the incoming government are Sylva, (co-chairman), Chief Pius Akinyelure, Mrs. Abike Dabiri Erewa, Ms. Sharon Ikeazor, Prof. Tony Anwuka, Alhaji Kawy Baraje, Sen John Shagaya (rtd), Hadiza Bala Usman, Babagana Kingibe, Ismaila Isa Tuntua, Senator Binta Masi Garba, Engr. Babachir Lawal and Hon. Samson Osagie.
The SGF further explained: “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, organised approved programme of activities , draw up budget for the programme of activities and coopt into subcommittees persons that may be necessary to assist in the discharge of activities.
“The inauguration has had two meetings thus far. The purpose of this press briefing is to present the programme to the public, seek their understanding, support and participation in the 2015 presidential inauguration.
“The committee has planned a one-week programme of activities, each of which is as important as the other. These include press briefing, Jumat prayers, inter-denominational church service, inauguration dinner, swearing-in ceremony, lunch immediately after the 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.”