May 29: Tinubu Gets Transition Report, Vows To tackle Insecurity, Power Crisis

On Thursday, President-elect Bola Tinubu committed to handle the country's security and power concerns, among other issues.

Tinubu, who received the transition report from President Muhammadu Buhari (retd. ), swore not to disappoint Nigerians.

He stated this shortly after being named Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, the country's highest national honor, alongside Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, who was named Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger by the President.

The enthronement ceremony took place at the State House Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as part of the ceremonies planned for Monday's 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.
The former governor of Lagos State said he understood the honor bestowed on him and his vice president-elect, as well as the importance of what lies ahead.

He urged Buhari to open his doors to "knocks" whether he retires to Daura or the Niger Republic.

"I am a simple man who has benefited from the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria," he remarked. The people have placed their faith in us. Mr. President, you have done your part.

"Now that huge responsibility falls on me. I understand the significance of the honor bestowed upon me today, as well as the responsibility that lies ahead.
"I have to run this race and do well." We must make progress in security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health, and power, among other areas. The people are entitled to nothing less. I will not disappoint either of them or you, Mr President.''

After handing over transition documents and passing the baton of service to Tinubu, the President stated that he was confident of leaving Nigeria in "worthy hands."
He stated that the national honors were bestowed in compliance with the Honours Award Act, 1963, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which specifies that Presidents/Heads of State receive national honors of GCFR with the VP awarded the GC of the order of the Niger.

"Today, with the power conferred in me as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I conferred the GCFR on His Excellency Bola Tinubu and the GCON on His Excellency Kashim Shettima," he stated.

Buhari claimed he had run a strong race and had completed his eight-year tenure as Nigeria's leader.

"As we embark on this new chapter, I am confident that Nigeria is in good hands." I finished the race well. My course is now complete. It is now time for someone else to pick up the mantle. 'I congratulate President-elect Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima on their well-deserved investiture,' he said.

"As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us not forget the immense responsibilities that come with leadership," the departing President advised the next administration. Our country faces major difficulties, and the President and Vice President must face them with courage, knowledge, and compassion.''
He also stated that the transfer of transition documents is in accordance with Executive Order No. 14 (2023), which he passed in order to avoid a repeat of the transition issues that his government experienced when he took office in 2015.

"The Executive Order establishes the Presidential Transition Council, which will be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as well as Ministerial Transition Teams, which will be led by the Permanent Secretaries."
"The core duty of these two ad hoc bodies is to make sure that every piece of information that will assist a new administration in getting off to a quick start is made available in a usable format and as soon as possible," he explained.

Before that, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council, stated that the work done by the Buhari government would provide the Tinubu administration with a "strong foundation" to carry out its purpose.

The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President's Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Ministers, the President-elect's and Vice President-elect's spouses and children, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, several state governors, traditional rulers, and others attended.

Meanwhile, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja saw a surge in travelers on Thursday as dignitaries and guests began to arrive for Tinubu's inauguration as President on Monday.

Top Abuja hotels are also seeing an inflow of visitors, with many of them fully booked ahead of the ceremony.

Checks at the airport revealed that the terminals saw a significant volume of air passenger activity as people rushed to beat flight delays and other concerns.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria confirmed the large volume of passengers at the NAIA and ascribed it to the president-elect's upcoming swearing in.

Oluwakayode Adeyeoluwa, FAAN's Head of Corporate Affairs, NAIA, said the agency was ready to greet people arriving for the the swearing in but urged  travellers to cooperate with the authorities.

When asked if the recent rise in passenger traffic into Abuja airport could be attributed to the President-elect's upcoming inauguration, he responded, "Of course, people are flocking in and going out, but the swearing-in is a good reason to believe that the high influx, for now, is due to what is forthcoming." So you're not far off the mark, since I don't believe anything else is going on in Abuja.

"However, as the weekend approaches, people tend to travel more." But I must point out that the swearing-in occurs immediately after the weekend."

Adeyeoluwa stated that the airport administration was fully equipped to handle the situation and asked air travelers to remain law-abiding when using the NAIA, emphasizing that the facility will be busy in the coming days.

"We appreciate them using the airport and appreciate their patience." We'd want to point out that, as they can see, things are getting better by the day at the Abuja airport, with facilities being updated to meet the growing demand.

"However, we are seeking the cooperation of passengers, so new car parks have been built and toilet facilities at the departure terminals have been expanded." So management is doing all possible to ensure that passengers receive the best smooth service possible.
"As a result, passengers should please understand and cooperate with us in terms of following airport rules, particularly traffic rules." Some folks will arrive at the airport and park in prohibited areas. You do not park in front of the terminal. "You can drop off a passenger but not wait there," Adeyeoluwa explained.

Kinsley Ezenwa, Dana Air's spokesman, revealed that the airline has been recording a rise in passenger traffic.

"Yes, we've been getting it for about a month now, and it's been very good." The swearing in may have increased the proportion, but it has been steadily rising long before the inauguration,'' he added.

In preparation for the visiting visitors, which included heads of state and ambassadors, this publication learned that the Federal Government had reserved all of Abuja's premier hotels for guest accommodation.
Some of the expensive hotels had been booked since March, it was discovered.
According to security sources, police counter-terrorism units and undercover operatives would be stationed at the hotels where visiting dignitaries will stay.

The Federal Secretariat and some other governmental buildings in the FCT are getting a new makeover as part of the preparations for the swearing in.

On Thursday, one of our correspondents noticed ministries, departments, and organizations being painted at the Federal Secretariat.

For example, the building that houses the Ministry of Health and Education has been renovated and new boards have been installed.
On Thursday, the office of the Federation's Head of Civil Service, the Ministries of Youth and Sports Development, Science and Technology, and others were all being renovated.
In addition, some missing manholes in the city center were being replaced.
Police and Nigeria Air Force helicopters were observed circling above the Federal Capital Territory on surveillance as part of the security precautions.

Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, said that security has been increased across the country in preparation for the Presidential the swearing-in ceremony on May 29 at Eagle Square in Abuja.

He went on to say that the police had been working hand in hand with all levels of government, the private sector, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, with the goal of having a commendable and flawless inauguration event on May 29, 2023.

Baba made the discoveries during a news conference at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, in Abuja, on Thursday.

He stated that appropriate personnel have been designated to safeguard the Presidential Villa, ensure security at and around Eagle Square, and guard the borders, seaports, and airports, while others would be dispatched to guard the FCT and other vital government installations.

Based on him, specific plans for the swearing-in ceremony have been formed since the declaration of Bola Tinubu as president-elect, as contained in the operation order, which will provide better security while allowing guests, well-meaning Nigerians, and the international community to witness the occasion.

"Security has been tightened up throughout the country since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections and the declaration of the President-elect," Baba said. As specified in the operation order, we have developed special arrangements for the inauguration ceremony that would provide heightened security while allowing guests, well-meaning Nigerians, and the international community to observe the occasion.

"We will be working hand in hand with all levels of government, the private sector, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens, and to have an outstanding and smooth swearing-in ceremony on May 29, 2023."

"In addition, the NPF has deployed all of its operational helicopters and highly efficient drones for aerial surveillance in Abuja and its environs." All NPF-capable water cannons and armored personnel carriers will also be deployed at strategic locations across the capital city."

Police officers and other security personnel would be stationed along highways leading to and from the inauguration site, according to Baba.

The police will also conduct severe security measures, including as scans and searches, around those entering the event.

To ensure a smooth traffic flow, the employees will also take charge of traffic management in coordination with the transition committee's protocol subcommittee.

The police will also take stringent safety precautions around anyone entering the stadium, including completing thorough searches.

In accordance with the festivities planned to honor the inauguration,
Following the event, there will be Juma'at prayers at the Central Mosque in Abuja on Friday (today), a Church Service on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, and a fireworks display at 12:01 a.m. on Monday at the City Gate in Abuja.
The force also encouraged Nigerians not to panic as a result of the fireworks display.
It advised anyone who did not have any business in the area during the inauguration to avoid the place.

"The police would also like to inform the general public that there will be deviations in the following areas - Goodluck Jonathan Expressway by Court of Appeal, Deeper Life Junction, Bond/Total Filling Station, POWA/FCDA Junction, Finance Junction by ECOWAS/Women Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eagle Square (Phase 1 Phase 11), Kur Muhammad Way/National Mosque, Abia House, NITEL Junction by Ademola Adetokunbo,

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the inauguration celebrations at the state level have been planned, and the IG has asked Command Commissioners of Police and other security agencies to carry out significant deployments to strengthen venues of the festivities.

The Nigeria Police Force held a three-day orientation training for personnel appointed as chief security officers, Aides-de-Camp, and orderlies to newly-elected state governors and other Very Important Persons in preparation for their new positions.

The 71 participants were instructed on their roles and obligations while performing protection services in their various posts.

"The induction course catered to 53 CSOs and ADCs, as well as 18 Orderlies," Adéjob explained. Similarly, the training included the Rules of Engagement and Standard Operational Procedures to be used in various simulated situations, as well as certain policies and etiquettes to be strictly followed.

"Seasoned officers with a wealth of experience, led by Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba, were on the ground to coordinate the course," he said.

"The IG emphasized the importance of professionalism and commitment in carrying out these specialized policing services effectively, and he charged the officers and men with continually developing themselves for efficiency."

The Department of State Services has issued a new warning, revealing that some elements were plotting to interrupt handover ceremonies in several parts of the country.
Based on the service, the plotters aimed to disrupt security services' operations while also causing panic among civilians.
The service's spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, issued a statement on Thursday urging individuals to follow the regulations for the events taking place across the country.
"The Service is, however, aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programs in parts of the country," it said in part. The goal is to undercut security services' efforts to ensure peaceful ceremonies while also instilling panic and anxiety among the populace.''

''On the basis of this, individuals, the media, and civil society organizations are asked to rigorously adhere to security and civil protocols throughout the events."

 

 

 


Jenny Young

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