Govt Declines to Invite ‘Controversial’ Leaders to Inauguration

25 May 2011

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Alhaji Yayale Ahmed has said the government would not invite those he called “controversial leaders” to the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ahmed made the remark i 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.

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