National News
TEXT OF THE PRESS BRIEFING BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION/ CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION COUNCIL, BOSS MUSTAPHA, CFR, ON THE PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES MARKING THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION HELD ON THURSDAY 18TH MAY, 2023 AT THE ROTUNDA HALL, OF MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TAFAWA BALEWA WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, ABUJA

TEXT OF THE PRESS BRIEFING BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION/ CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION COUNCIL, BOSS MUSTAPHA, CFR, ON THE PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES MARKING THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION HELD ON THURSDAY 18TH MAY, 2023 AT THE ROTUNDA HALL, OF MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TAFAWA BALEWA WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, ABUJA
Protocol
I welcome you all to the World Press Conference organized to brief Nigerians and the entire world on the program of activities planned for the 2023 Presidential Inauguration.
- Let me begin by thanking you for honoring our invitation. The presence of both local and international media houses here today is an indication that Nigerians and the global community are desirous of supporting the process of democratic transition of power from one administration to the other.
- 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.
- 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.
- The significance of the above is underscored by the desire of this administration to lay a solid foundation for seamless transition of power by institutionalizing the process through legislation. In February, 2023, the President through Executive Order 14, approved the establishment of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC). The 24-member Council inclusive of two representatives of the President-Elect was inaugurated on 14th February 2023.
- The Council is charged with the responsibility of facilitating and managing Presidential Transition. In the course of this process, the PTC established three main Committees namely: (i) Inauguration Committee under Chairmanship of the SGF; (ii) Transition Documents Committee under the Chairmanship of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; and (iii) Security, Facilities and Intelligence Committee under the Chairmanship of the National Security Adviser.
- In furtherance of discharging it‘s 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.
- The PTC also built on the foundation laid by the Transition Technical Task Team (TTTT) which I inaugurated in December 2022. The Task Team is the product of a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and development partners including FCDO-PERL; NESG, NGF; KPMG; TBI and we remain grateful to these partners.
- Gentlemen of the press, let me once again assure Nigerians and indeed the global community of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the seamless transfer of power to President-Elect, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- In 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 for this reason that President Buhari amongst other things, approved the inclusion of the team as part of the Federal Government delegation to the World Bank/IMF Spring meetings in Washington DC in April, 2023.
- It is with great delight, therefore, that I unveil the schedule of activities marking the 2023 Presidential Inauguration. They are as follows:
Date
Activity
Venue
Thursday, 18th May, 2023
World Press Conference by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
The Rotunda Hall , Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CBD, Abuja
Tuesday 23rd May, 2023
Regimental Dinner in honor of the Commander in Chief
Armed Forces Officers Mess @ 7:00pm
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 Honors 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
State House Conference Centre @ 10:00am
(Guests to be seated by 9:00am)
Friday 26th May, 2023
Public Lecture and Jumaat Prayer
National Mosque @ 10:00am & 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
International Conference Centre, @ 10:00am
(Guests to be seated by 9:00am)
Saturday 27th May, 2023
Children’s Day Program
(i). Parade; and
(ii). Children’s Party
(i). Old Parade Ground @ 10:00am
(ii). State House Conference Centre
@ 2:00pm
Sunday, 28th May, 2023
Inter-denominational Church Service
National Christian Centre @ 10:00am
(Congregation to be seated by 9:00am)
Sunday, 28th May, 2023
Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night
State House Conference Centre @7:00PM
(Guests to be seated by 6:00 pm)
Monday, 29th May, 2023
Inauguration Parade/Swearing-In
Eagle Square, CBD @ 10:00am.
All Guests to be seated by 8:30am
Monday, 29th May, 2023
Post Inauguration Luncheon
State House Banquet Hall @ 1:30 pm (Strictly for Mr. President with brother Presidents, Heads of Government and his invited guests).
- All events will be broadcast live on all major stations and streamed on various social media platforms. Detailed information including accreditation arrangements, would be provided by the Media and Publicity sub-Committee.
- 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 confirmed attendance in person.
- Ladies and gentlemen, this event is historic for our nation and I enjoin every one to embrace this moment as proud Nigerians. It is a moment made for togetherness, unity, peace and progress.
- Finally, let me assure everyone that adequate arrangements have been made for the safety and security of all people throughout the inauguration period.
- I thank you for listening. I will now take your questions.
TEXT OF THE PRESS BRIEFING BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION/ CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION COUNCIL, BOSS MUSTAPHA, CFR, ON THE PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES MARKING THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION HELD ON THURSDAY 18TH MAY, 2023 AT THE ROTUNDA HALL, OF MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TAFAWA BALEWA WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, ABUJA
National News
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
National News
Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing
By: Michael Mike
A community leader and the Waziri Mushere of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Yohana Margif has expressed dismay over the incessant killing of innocent citizens of the community.
Margif made this known in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene to halt what he described as genocide against the people, which he said was being perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.
Margif also called on Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and other security chiefs in the country, to rein in the alleged culprits.
He said: “I would like to draw the attention of the topmost leadership in Nigeria to the deteriorating dire security situation in Plateau, particularly in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos LGA.
“I urge President Tinubu to take immediate decisive action to halt these endless and senseless killings, protect lives and properties, and secure the future of the Mushere people, and other victims of obvious genocide against the people.
“Herdsmen are killing our innocent people, burning their homes, looting their foodstuff, property, livestock, and taking over their ancestral lands,” he said.
According to the Abuja-based real estate mogul, the attacks and attendant killings have intensified recently since the onset of this year’s farming season.
Margif further said that the people had been displaced from their villages and ancestral homes and were forced to become internally displaced persons in the country.
He emphasised that the situation required immediate intervention by all stakeholders in order to prevent further escalation and inflict an irredeemable harm by wiping out the entire community from the surface of the earth.
He lamented that: “Since President Tinubu’s administration began, Plateau State has witnessed an unprecedented escalation of violence and loss of lives.
“This is the current sad reality. Our people are constantly under the threat of the enemy’s bullets and can’t sleep with two eyes closed due to the perpetual unleashing of violence against them by external forces.
“Something urgent must be done to stem the tide of violence and end this war against the people in order not to
harm this administration’s reputation,” Margif said.
In the past couple of days, suspected herdsmen militia killed no fewer than 35 people in the localities of Hokk, Pangkap, Fokoldep, Kopmur, Margif, Horop, Mbor, Mushere and Kwahas localities in Mushere Chiefdom.
Chairman, Bokkos Community Peace Observers, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the killings to newsmen, said the victims included a 70-year-old Pastor of COCIN LCC Kwakas-Mushere, Mimang Lekyil, who was attacked and killed in the church.
He said that the pastor’s wife was also shot in the leg and was admitted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment, he said.
“Bokkos has never been this insecure, with the people being butchered as we are currently witnessing,” Lilian Madaki, from the Mushere community told journalists.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emmanuel Adesina, also confirmed the incident in a statement saying security forces including police and military personnel, had been deployed in the affected communities.
Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing
National News
VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu

VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu
** Says Nigeria has lost an intellectual giant
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today led other Muslim faithful for the Jana’iza (funeral prayers) of the late elder statesman, renowned medical scholar and former Minister of Education and Petroleum, Prof. Jibril Aminu, at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Prof. Aminu, a one-time President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (OPEC), passed on in Abuja on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
The Vice President, who arrived at the National Mosque at 1:52 pm, commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed Allah to comfort them and make Aljanna Firdaus the final abode of the late elder statesman.

Noting that the late Prof Aminu’s demise is a great loss to the nation, VP Shettima described the late surgeon, educationist and administrator as a man who saw it all, just as he said the deceased was an intellectual giant who can hardly be replaced.
“It is a very sad loss. Prof Jubril Aminu was the last of the great titans, an iconic figure who enormously contributed to the development of the nation.
“He was variously the Executive Secretary of NUC, Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and Honourable Minister of various ministries across the country and left his landmarks on the sands of time.
“He is irreplaceable. May Allah grant him Aljanatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. His loss is not just to the good people of Adamawa State but to the nation and Africa at large,” the Vice President prayed.

Born in Song, Adamawa in 1939, Prof. Aminu was a towering figure in Nigerian public life.
The late Consultant Cardiologist served the nation in different capacities, including as Federal Minister of Education and later Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992), Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States (1999–2003), and Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011).
He was also President of OPEC in 1991 and President of the OPEC Conference between 1991 and 1992 while he was Petroleum Minister.
Other mourners who joined the Vice President at the National Mosque in Abuja for the Jana’iza included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo; former Secretary to the Federal Government, Yayale Ahmed; former Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako; former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje; former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd); former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman; former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, among many others.
VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu
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