Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has assured World leaders that Nigeria is “safe and sound” for them to attend the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari come May 29. Mohammed made this known at the world press conference that took place in Abuja on Monday.

His response is a sequel to an alarm raised, accusing the opposition of planning to sabotage government on the said day. Responding to the measures taken to prevent such attack, Lai said: “Nigeria is safe for all world leaders to attend [the inauguration]. I have no reason to doubt the security around. There is no cause for alarm. The security agencies are on top of the matter. Even if we are taking measures, will I tell you here?”

The minister restated that the celebration of Buhari’s swearing-in (May 29) would be postponed to June 12, noting that the country cannot afford two celebrations. He gave highlights of the event: “Mr. President last year declared June 12 as Democracy Day and a national holiday. He also said the official commencement of the new Democracy Day will be in 2019. It is in fulfillment of this declaration, therefore, that the Federal Executive Council decided, at its meeting on Wednesday, May 8th, 2019, to have a low-key presidential inauguration on May 29th, and then defer the celebration that comes with it to the June 12 Democracy Day.

“The Federal Executive Council Valedictory Session will be held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, May 22nd; a Special Jumat Lecture and prayer will be held on Friday, May 24th at  the National Mosque; the First Lady’s interaction with women is slated  for the Old Chamber at the State House on Saturday, May 25th while a special Interdenominational Church Service is slated for Sunday, May 26th at the National Christian Centre. On Monday, May 27th, Mr. President will give a Children’s Day  broadcast, to be followed later in the day by a Children’s Variety Party. The swearing in of the President and the vice-president is slated for Wednesday, May 29th at the Eagle Square, to be followed by a State Banquet at the State House in the evening of the same day.”

He also reemphasized that 29th of May and June 12 are public holidays.