19th May, 2023
By Cecilia Ijuo
The Federal Government insisted on Thursday that ongoing litigation over the outcome of the February 25 presidential election cannot stop the inauguration of President-Elect, Bola Tinubu and the Vice President-Elect, Kashim Shettima on May 29.
Peter Obi of Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who came third and second at the election respectively are currently challenging the victory of Tinubu at the presidential election petition court.
Some analysts and commentators have said Tinubu should not be allowed to take office until the hearing of the petitions are con
“Without any fear of contradiction, there will be inauguration on May 29,” the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said this when he addressed a World News Conference to kick-start the inauguration activities on Thursday in Abuja.
“This is not the first time, during the election of former President Shehu Shagari there was litigation but the country went ahead with the inauguration.
“Also, During the election of former President Olusegun Obasanjo there was litigation but we continued with the swearing in.
“It was only former President Goodluck Jonathan that did not take the route of litigation.
“So, as long as the Lord tarries there will be inauguration,” Mustapha, also the Chairman, Presidential Transition Council(PTC) insisted.
The PTC chairman said the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act made adequate provision on how to go about litigations arising from elections.
On attendance of Heads of Government, Mustapha said a good number of them had indicated interest in attending the inauguration.
He, however, did not mention those who had been confirmed their attend, citing security reasons.
“Diplomatic privileges will not allow us to announce the number of presidents or who is coming because of the precarious times we are in today.
“However, there is enthusiasm and eagerness to come and support Nigeria to sustain it’s democracy.
“So we have a responsibility to get it right,”he said.
The May 29 Presidential inauguration will be the 7th consecutive democratic transition of power in Nigeria.
The day will also usher in the 16th president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
(NAN)