The media and publicity subcommittee, of the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee has disclosed that over 54 countries and 50 heads of state are expected to grace the inauguration of the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
The chairman of the committee and minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, who disclosed this yesterday in a press conference in Abuja as part of activities lined up for the presidential inauguration, said that in the recent past, Nigeria has become a focal point of the global community and the continent of Africa, especially in view of the unique transition programme.
Chief Duke, who further gave a breakdown of the programme for the inauguration, said that the Juma’at service has been held yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, and that the second event will be a special church service and thanksgiving on Sunday, May 24, at the National Christian Centre in Abuja at 3pm.
According to the committee chairman, the inauguration dinner will hold on the eve of Thursday, 28 May, at the State House conference hall while the swearing-in will be performed at the Eagle Square on Friday, 29 May, at 9am, which will be immediately followed by a special inauguration luncheon at the State House Bouquet Hall at 12noon. He added that the inauguration ceremony will close Friday, May 29 with a Gala Night slated to hold at the State House conference hall, saying that all the events are strictly by invitation.
Speaking on the expenditure for the inauguration, who did not disclose the amount so far spent, Chief Edem Duke said that all over the world, the focus is on Nigeria and that there is the need for the country to organise an inauguration that would be comparable to other inaugurations in any part of the world.
Chief Duke said, “As we speak, the 54 countries on the continent of Africa have been invited and there has been a huge interest, especially from the heads of countries in Europe to attend this inauguration. At the last count, I think we must have in excess of about 50 heads of state and delegation expected at this inauguration. So, this in itself is a plus for the image of Nigeria-that we have attracted such positive attention to this inauguration.
“No president is less important than another, but I want to assure the Nigerian public that we could not have executed this inauguration with any amount more or less than what is being expended today. But, I can assure Nigerians that we are working on a very stringent budget.
“The important thing is not the cost of the inauguration; but the essence of executing a proper inauguration that will sustain the integrity and position of Nigeria in the committee of nation. Special attention has been paid to security for this inauguration and arrangements are being made to screen all the invitees, long before they access the perimeters of the location.”
The co-chairman of the committee, Chief Pius Akinyelure also explained that preparations have been meticulously concluded and they are confident that they will achieve their over reaching objectives.
