- FG inaugurates 22-man presidential council members
FG inaugurates 22-man presidential council members
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, thanked indigenes for continuous support for his administration, government of the state, and All Progressives Congress, asking for more support to consolidate on the gains.
President Buhari, who presented the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to teeming supporters at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, said the flag bearer would carry on with his legacy.
The President presented the party’s flag bearer to the crowd accompanied by the Governors of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ebonyi State, David Umahi and other party leaders led by the National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.
Welcoming President Buhari and Tinubu, Governor Uzodinma noted that President Buhari had shown more love and understanding for the South East than previous leaders, thanking the President for historic projects, like the Second Niger Bridge.
“Mr. President, you have been too good to Imo State,’’ he said, listing development projects to include upgrading the Federal Medical Centre to a teaching hospital, Alvan Ikoku College of Education to university and construction of roads in the state.
“Imo State people are very happy with you Mr. President. Your presence here today further shows the strength of the party in the state. Imo State is for APC, and APC is for Imo. In words and actions, we will not disappoint you,’’ he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked party supporters in the state for coming out to receive the President and presidential candidate, adding that it validates “the handshake across the Niger’’.
He said the presidential candidate had the capacity to move the nation forward, having left landmark records in Lagos State.
Governor of Ebonyi State said President Buhari had always granted the wish of the South East leaders, particularly in providing support for development.
“No government from the South East has asked you for anything and you turned it down. You are a man of your words.
“You live what you say, and say what you believe. We are thankful for the second Niger bridge,’’ he said.
The National Chairman of the APC said Asiwaju would succeed the President after May 29th, urging support for the candidate to further the gains of the party in the South East.
“APC came with love to share on this Valentine’s Day,’’ he added.
In his remark, Asiwaju said love will be sustained in the state, and across the country, to bring more peace and unity.
“We come with love, peace, stability and progress,’’ he said.
Tinubu said President Buhari represents integrity, honesty and dependability and had worked very hard to “retool’’ the nation, after the poor management of the country by previous governments.
“The National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, admitted on national television that the party had done damage to the country. You heard it. Will you still vote for the party?’’ he queried.
Tinubu said the incorruptible character of President Buhari will be sustained, while the efforts at infrastructural development, particularly electricity and energy, will be further improved.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated a 22-man Presidential Transition Council ahead of the 2023 handover to the incoming government.
The committee, chaired by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice as members.
Others are Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries and offices responsible for defence, interior, budget and national planning, foreign affairs, information and culture, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
The rest are the Permanent Secretaries, Cabinet Affairs, General Service Affairs, Economic and Political Affairs, office of the SGF, State House, National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector-General of Police, Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Director General, State Security Services, Clerk of the National Assembly, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and two representatives who are to be nominated by the President-elect after the general elections.
In his remark, Mustapha said President Muhammadu Buhari, in furtherance of his commitment to allow a fair and credible electoral process and handover of power to the next president of Nigeria, signed Executive Order No. 14 of 2023.
According to him, the order is on the facilitation and management of ‘Presidential Transitions’, which provides the legal framework for a seamless transition of power from one administration to another.
“Today marks another historic moment for our administration, as we yet again demonstrate our commitment to strengthening key governance institutions that support our democratic process.
“It is with great delight and honour therefore, that I am carrying out the onerous task of inaugurating the Presidential Transition Council, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
According to him, the council is charged with the responsibility of facilitating and managing the 2023 Presidential Transition Programme, and facilitating the handing over process by the current president to the president-elect.
Other responsibilities included organising for the security of the president-elect and the vice president-elect, including coordinating security briefings on the nation’s security matters post-elections among others.
The SGF said he would, in his own capacity as the chairman of the council, do everything within his powers to ensure that the council meets the expectations of Mr. President.
“I enjoin each of us to put in more effort in ensuring that the next administration receives every support needed to make an early and quick start.”
Responding on behalf of the council members, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, expressed gratitude to President Buhari for the confidence reposed in them.
Yemi-Esan said the steps taken by Buhari to establish the transition council before the presidential election is not only proactive but is also selfless and a noble decision in the interest of the country.
“This will no doubt remain as one of his legacies after his administration.
“It is also important for us as a committee to state that the importance of the work that we have been saddled with can never be overemphasized. It is in view of the remarkable landmark achievement of the president’s administration.”
