Presidential inauguration: Govt says probe our excesses if you see any
SGF Yayale Ahmed
The Federal government has assured Nigerians of its preparedness to be held accountable for any act of irresponsibility in disbursing budgeted resources for national assignments, assuring the nation of a new era of probity, transparency and accountability.
Yayale Ahmed, the chairman of the Presidential Inauguration Committee and secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), while briefing the Press on the plans for the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the the president on May 29 this year said the government is charging the press and the entire nation to be on the trail of the government in order to reveal to the world any act of irresponsibility in disbursing budgeted sums.
“N830 million is the cost of the 2011 presidential inauguration ceremonies. The initial budget was N1.3billion and was later reduced to N830 million. However, it may reach N1 billion at the end of the day and I will want you, as journalists, to follow it up for proper auditing and accountability,” he said, in apparent reference to public outcry that the sum was huge.
Presidential Seal, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The SGF revealed on Monday that the estimated figure is set to be used on events ranging from security, musical festivals and carnivals, a fireworks display, commissioning of a new portrait of Jonathan, a banquet for the First Lady and also an exhibition football match.
He shed the light while fielding questions from journalists shortly after the press briefing in Abuja.
As eye brows are being raised over the whopping sum for the inauguration, the federal government assured that it was open to auditing and public scrutiny.
In total, an estimated N1 billion has been earmarked for the 2011 presidential inauguration ceremonies scheduled to take place on the 29th of this month.
A large amount will go on policing and security during the inauguration.
Mr Yayale said that although N1.3 billion was the initial budget by the committee for the overall cost of the event, it was reduced to N830 million.
President Goodluck Jonathan
On security measures being put in place, the chairman of the committee hinted that the national security adviser is heading the security committee among other sub-committees set up for the occasion.
“And anybody related to security matter is part and parcel of this committee. Effort is being made to eliminate any kind of attack and I can say categorically that the security committee is up to the task as security measures are being put in place,” he remarked.
On whether Nigeria will be inviting Uganda President, Yoweri Museveni, for the occasion, the SGF bluntly declared that he was not invited, pointing out that although about 40 heads of state were invited, no more than 15 were expected to attend the occasion.
“Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed about 10 to 15 presidents of different countries and the confirmation will continue as the day gets nearer but we will not invite any controversial personality,” he declared.
He, however, said all political parties and presidential candidates in the last elections are invited to grace the occasion. Earlier, Mr Ahmed, while delivering his address, said in order to ensure a successful inauguration, the federal government set up the committee, which later constituted 14 sub-committees and assigned specific responsibilities.
The sub-committees, he said, are headed by a minister each to address venues, utilities and souvenirs; football match; musical/cultural festival and fireworks; security; publicity; presidential speeches; swearing-in; accommodation, protocol and airport reception; finance, among others.
Police Chief Abubarkar Hafiz-Ringim
“Other activities scheduled for the week include a presidential special session with the youth in Lagos tomorrow, a dinner for corporate Nigeria on the same day at the state house, Marina, Lagos; an exhibition and unveiling of Mr President’s portrait at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre; First Lady’s banquet for women at the Banquet Hall, State House, among others,” he said.
Related Posts
Short URL: http://www.emnnews.com/?p=16907
Posted by emnnews
on 10:18 am. Filed under Breaking News, Editorial.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
