As the country prepares for the inauguration of the new dispensation, the programme for the event has been released. The handover activities of the outgoing President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), and his Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo have been highlighted, including the activities for the incoming President, Bola Tinubu, and his Vice-President, Kashim Shetimma to take over the leadership of the nation.
The ceremony will take place at the Eagles Square in Abuja and will begin with the arrival of invited dignitaries, followed by the arrival of the President-elect and Vice-President-elect. The outgoing President and Vice-President will then arrive, after which the outgoing Vice-President will take his last salute and the outgoing President follows suit. The outgoing ADC will then hand over the old military colours to the outgoing President, followed by prayers.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) will be invited to swear in the new Vice-President, who will then accompany the CJN to swear in the new President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The immediate past President will then hand over new colours to the new President and the instrument of office.
The former President will leave for the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport en route Katsina using a different car from the one that brought him to the venue. The new President will take his first salute and inspect the Guards of Honour, after which he will address the nation for the first time as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The President will then drive to the Villa using the official vehicle that brought the outgoing President to the venue. The new President will host visiting Presidents, Heads of States, Heads of Delegation, Ambassadors, Development Partners, former Ministers, and members of the National Assembly, especially. In the evening, there will be a state banquet to toast to the new President.
Work will begin on May 30, 2023. All eyes will, therefore, be on the Eagles Square in Abuja, as the country prepares for the peaceful transition of power to the new administration.
