About 65 world leaders expected in Nigeria later this month for Tinubu's inauguration

ABOUT 65 world leaders have been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Nigeria's president-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu later this month on May 29 in what is expected to be a grand event with representation from around the globe.

In less than two weeks time, Asiwaju Tinubu will become the 16th president of Nigeria after what will be the nation’s seventh transition ceremony. It will be attended by foreign heads of state and government as well as past presidents, diplomats, heads of international organisations, prominent Nigerians and representatives of global agencies.

One director in the ministry of foreign affairs confirmed that several African leaders have indicated an interest in attending the inauguration ceremony which will take place at Eagle Square, Abuja. He added that representatives of Nigeria’s traditional allies such as the US, the UK, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Germany, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Israel and Turkey are also expected at the high-profile event.

“We have 54 countries in Africa and most of them have been invited to the inauguration, so, we don’t expect less than 65 world leaders from Africa, Europe and America at the event," he added.

Secretary to the federal government Boss Mustapha, who doubles as the chairman of the  Presidential Transition Council, added that that Asiwaju Tinubu and vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima will be conferred with the national honours the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and Grand Commander of Order of the Niger, respectively, on May 25. Then, transition documents would be handed over to both men on the same day.

According to Mr Mustapha, the former president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, will then deliver the inauguration lecture titled, Deepening Democracy for Integration and on May 27. Other activities lined up include the regimental dinner in honour of the commander-in-chief at the Armed Forces Officers Mess slated for Tuesday, May 23 and the valedictory Federal Executive Council meeting on May 24.

After that, there will be a public lecture and Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque on May 26, a children’s day parade and party on May 27 and then an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre on May 28. Then, the inauguration dinner/gala night will follow at the State House Conference Centre on May 28 while the inauguration/swearing-in of the president-elect and the vice president-elect will take place on May 29 accompanied by an inauguration parade at the Eagle Square.

There will also be a post-inauguration luncheon strictly for presidents, heads of government and guests at the State House Banquet Hall after the inauguration ceremony. Mr Mustapha insisted that the handover would hold despite the court cases seeking the cancellation of the ceremony.

He added: “So far, invitations have been sent to presidents and heads of government as well as heads of international organisations. We are also glad to report that many of these invitees have confirmed attendance in person.

According to Mr Mustapha, from Shagari’s period to Buhari's time, presidential inaugurations went on despite pending court cases. He added that with or without litigation, the handover will be held on May 29 as the Nigerian constitution and the Electoral Act are clear on this.