The Federal Government has inaugurated a 22-man Presidential Transition Council (PTC) vested with the responsibility of facilitating and managing the 2023 Presidential Transition Programme to ensure seamless transition of power to the incoming government.
While inaugurating the Presidential Transition Council, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, in his office, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, CFR, charged the Council to put in more effort in ensuring that the next administration receives every support needed to make an early and quick start.
He stated that the inaugural meeting of the Council would be convened immediately, to kick off the transition process, as directed by the President.
According to him, “To maximize the limited time we have, Mr. President has directed the Chairperson of the Council to convene the inaugural meeting of the Council with immediate effect. This aims to kick off the transition process across all levels of government in line with Executive Order No. 14 of 2023. The President expects that the transition process will be replicated across States Government”.
SGF assured the Presidential Transition Council of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to supporting them with all they might require to deliver on their mandate of ensuring a hitch-free and seamless transition of power to the incoming government.
He also seized the opportunity to remind the public of the significant strides of the present administration in advancing the fortunes of the nation. He added that the present administration had learnt lessons that would be useful to the incoming administration to build upon for the interest of the nation.
The Terms of References (ToRs) for the Presidential Transition Council will amongst other things facilitate the handing over process by the current President to the President-elect; organise for the security of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect including coordinating security briefings on the nation’s security matters post- elections and organise for the necessary facilities including fully furnished Office and personnel for the President-elect and his/her transition team.
It also include co-ordinating the briefings of the President-elect by relevant public officers; facilitating communication between the outgoing President and the President-elect; preparing the programme and organise for the swearing-in ceremony and carrying out any other activity necessary to ensure optimal performance of the functions of the President under the Constitution and perform any other function assigned to it under the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The SGF, who appointed the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Dr. Habiba Lawal, Secretary to the Council, inaugurated the following as members of the 22-man Presidential Transition Council: Secretary to the Government of the Federation as the Chairperson, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Chief of Defence, Inspector General of Police, Director, National Security Adviser, Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Director General, State Security Services, Clerk of the National Assembly, and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The rest 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 (FCTA), Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Cabinet Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), General Services, OSGF, Economic and Political Affairs, OSGF, and State House.
Speaking on behalf of members of the Presidential Transition Council, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, CFR, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the confidence he reposed in them to be members of the Council.
She assured that the Council would leave no stone unturned in facilitating a seamless transition process in line with their mandate.
She added that the constitution of the transition council before the 2023 General Election by the President is a testament to his selflessness and patriotism.
According to her, “It is important for us to note that the step taken by the President to establish the Presidential Transition Council before the Presidential election is held is not only proactive, but also selfless and very noble; and it is in the interest of Nigeria. And this will in no doubt remain one of his legacies.”
Willie Bassey
Director, Information
14th February, 2023