In a move that has generated both anticipation and controversy, United States President Joe Biden has unveiled a nine-member delegation to attend the upcoming inauguration of “President-elect” Bola Tinubu in Nigeria. The announcement comes amidst persistent opposition faced by Tinubu at the Presidential election tribunal, which has raised questions about the integrity of the February 25 presidential election, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Critics have voiced concerns about the apparent bias in the US government’s stance on the disputed election, particularly following a recent phone call between Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Tinubu. Both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party have criticized the perceived US interference. However, despite the controversy, Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, is slated to be sworn in as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29 at Abuja’s Eagle Square.
The highly-anticipated inauguration will attract a distinguished gathering, including past presidents, diplomats, heads of international organizations, prominent Nigerians, and representatives from foreign governments and agencies. Notable attendees from Nigeria’s traditional allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Germany, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Israel, Turkey, and others are expected to grace the occasion.
Preparations for the inauguration will kick off on Thursday, commencing with the investiture of Tinubu as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, accompanied by the swearing-in of the Vice-President-elect, Kashim Shettima, as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
President Biden, in a statement released on the White House website, revealed the members of the official US delegation for the event. Leading the delegation will be Marcia L. Fudge, the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Other members include Mr. David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Abuja; The Honorable Sydney Kamlager-Dove, United States Representative (D), California; The Honorable Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce; General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command; The Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency; The Honorable Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State; The Honorable Judd Devermont, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council; and The Honorable Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development.
As part of the inauguration festivities, a highly anticipated lecture titled ‘Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development’ will be delivered by former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, on May 27. The lecture aims to stimulate discussions on promoting democracy and fostering regional integration in Nigeria and across Africa.