Controversial Leaders Won’t Attend Presidential Inauguration —SGF

Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said government would not invite “controversial leaders” to the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ahmed made the remark in Abuja on Monday while briefing newsmen on ceremonies lined up for the inauguration by the committee in charge.

He said a lot of importance was attached to the inauguration that the government could not afford to invite any controversial personality to grace the occasion.

The scribe said 40 Heads of Government were invited for the inauguration, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received acknowledgement from 15 leaders.

He said the committee was still expecting more acknowledgements, adding that the government would make adequate preparations to host them.

Ahmed put the cost of the inauguration at N1 billion.

He said the 63 political parties and their presidential candidates would also be invited.

“It is very significant to accord to them their status as elder statesmen.

“It is by right, not by our discretion, to invite political parties,” Ahmed said.

He gave the assurance that adequate security measures would be made to check any security breach, adding that the government was aware of such challenges.

“We are satisfied that our security agencies are prepared to tackle security challenges.

“We are not unaware of the security challenges in our country, but our security agencies are on alert to check any security breach,” the SGF added.

In a vote of thanks, Prof. Dapo Afolabi, Head of Civil Service of the Federation urged the media to continue to report Nigeria positively.

Afolabi lauded the media for contributing to the development and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

Ahmed earlier said the press conference marked the commencement of major activities for the inauguration.

Ahmed, who is also the Chairman of the 2011 Presidential Inauguration Committee, said the president would have an interactive session with the Business Community in Lagos on Monday.

He added that there would be a presidential special session with youths in Lagos on May 24, while a dinner for Cooperate Nigeria would also hold on May 24 at the State House, Marina, Lagos.

Ahmed said there would be an exhibition and unveiling of Mr President’s Portrait at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre on May 25, while an Inauguration Lecture by a distinguished scholar would hold at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Conference Hall in Abuja on May 26.

“First Lady’s Banquet for Women will hold at the Banquet Hall, State House, also on May 26, while Juma’at prayer and special supplication for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria is on May 27.

“A Special Children’s Day will hold on May 27 featuring a Children’s march past, and a special session of the Children’s Parliament and other activities organised for the less-privileged children by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan“ would hold, he said.

Ahmed said there would also be First Lady’s Children’s Party and visit to some children’s homes/hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory, where she would felicitate with and make presentations to them.

A football match between Kano Pillars Football Club and Enyimba Football Club of Aba would hold on May 28, the eve of the inauguration, at the National Stadium, Abuja,” he added.

“A thanksgiving/church service to be attended by the president is scheduled to hold at the National Christian Worship Centre, Abuja, by 4p.m.

“Other events are the Presidential Inauguration Banquet on Saturday, May 28, at the State House Banquet Hall, and a Musical/Cultural and Fireworks Display same day,“ he added.

According to him, all these activities will be capped with the actual swearing in of the president on May 29 at Eagle Square, Abuja.

The SGF said the programme for the inauguration represented the deepening of democracy as exemplified by the recently concluded elections.