*Packed his boxes to leave the Villa, he says

*Tinubu’s representatives already on the Transition Committee

By Eze Chidozie

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, has insisted that the transition processes to handover to the newly-elected government is on course.

Mustapha, who is also the Chairman, Presidential Transition Council, gave the assurance on Tuesday at a news conference on the updates of the transitional process since the committee was inaugurated.

The Federal Government on April 14 inaugurated a 22-man Presidential Transition Council ahead of the 2023 handover to the incoming government.

“The transition process is on course and all efforts are being made to ensure that it is smooth and on May 29, there would be peaceful formal transfer of power to the new president-elect,” he said.

According to him, the process of interface is necessary so as to keep Nigerians abreast of developments, build inclusiveness and lay a solid foundation for peaceful transition of power in the country.

“The Presidential Transition Council which was inaugurated on Feb. 24 is made up of 24 members which includes two persons from the President-Elect’s team.

“After the declaration of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the President-Elect, the PTC requested him to nominate his representatives on the council as provided in the Executive Order.

“The President-elect nominated Atiku Bagudu, the Governor of Kebbi State and Chief Olawale Edun, both of whom have since joined the process actively,” he stated. 

Answering questions on any interference owing to the on-going court proceedings on the election, the SGF emphasised that litigation would not stop the transition process.

“It is a constitutional matter and whether all the litigations concerning the election petitions are resolved or not, it will not in anyway stop the formal transfer of power on May 29.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is not spending a day extra after the 29 of May to handover power to whoever has been declared by the INEC.

“He is already think of life after being the president of the country and how to live his quiet life in Daura, after he leaves office in May 29.

“The court processes will continue and we are doing everything to ensure that the transition process is not truncated, Federal Government has issued a statement to that effect,” Mustapha stated.