Jonathan, Buhari’s transition committees meet, deny friction

THE Federal Government and incoming Gen. Muhammadu Buhari administration’s transition committees yesterday held their joint meeting in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by Vice-President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo in his Conference Hall had in attendance , the leader of the Buhari Transition Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Joda , Rivers State governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Fielding questions from State House correspondents after the meeting, both Joda and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim denied media reports of friction between the Federal Government and the incoming administration, emphasising that the two committees were operating on the same platform.

Joda dismissed the insinuation that the presidency was not cooperating with his committee to ensure a smooth transition.

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Lai Mohammed was widely quoted last week as having accused the Federal Government Transition Committee of applying delaying tactics, an allegation denied by the government.
But Joda said yesterday: “Our committee has never said to anybody that there is no cooperation, we have never said that and we are waiting for the reports, until when they come.’’

Also addressing the correspondents, Anyim, described the meeting as “fruitful and cordial’’, saying: “There is no contending issue between the two committees as being speculated in some quarters.

“The meeting was very, very fruitful; it was very cordial. There is certainly no contending issue, we are flowing and we have clearer understanding of the working of the two committees.’’