The Federal Executive Council has cautioned the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, against constituting himself into a parallel government ahead of the hand over date of May 29.
This warning was given by the Minister of National Planning, Suleiman Abubakar, who joined his information counterpart, Senator Patricia Akwashiki, to brief state House correspondents after the weekly FEC meeting.
The FEC, Abubakar said, specifically declared that it took exception to some of the utterances of Buhari.
The Council equally frowned at some points of reference handed over to his (Buhari’s) transition committee headed by an elder statesman, Ahmed Joda.
The term of reference given to Joda by Buhari, the Council said, suggested that government was being stampeded or intimidated.
The Council therefore warned that the magnanimity of President Goodluck Jonathan should not be mistaken for cowardice.
Abubakar said he spoke at the press conference in his capacity as Chairman of sub-committee of the transition committee.
According to Abubakar, President Jonathan had consequently directed heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to carry on with their duties and not feel intimidated.
His words: “We did receive from incoming government transition committee some terms of reference, which we looked at critically.
“And Council did agree that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan-led administration remains the current government of this country.
“The incoming government should avoid creating a parallel government while the government is still on.
“We take exceptions to some utterances, to some of the terms of reference that looked as if the current government is being stampeded or intimidated.
“Council frowned at most of the statements, most of the provisions and council members are advised to work in line with the terms of reference of the current government.
“Council members are also of the opinion that the terms of reference as formatted by our transition committee should be strictly complied with.”
The FEC advised the Buhari-led incoming government to be patient and not be in a hurry as they would have all the time to implement their programmes from May 29.
According to the Minister: “When the incoming government takes over government, they can come out with their programmes, they can come out with their own agenda, they can decide to come out with policies with the way they feel like.
“This government remains resolute to the various programmes and projects it’s pursuing and the government will continue to do that until the morning of May 29.”
The FEC also approved the establishment of two new private universities in Delta and Imo States.
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