President Goodluck Jonathan has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to submit their handing over notes by April 20.

The Minister of Information, Mrs Patricia Akwashiki, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, which was presided over by the president.

Akwashiki said the heads of the MDAs would also brief the president on the position of things in their respective organisations, especially the state of existing contracts.

According to her, this is to ensure comprehensive handing over notes for the smooth and effective transition to the in-coming administration on May 29.

She said: “What we discussed with the President in the Council is, he emphasised on the need for all MDAs and government parastatals and departments, agencies to submit their handing over notes to the office of the SGF by the 20th (April) that is next Monday.

“So, we are going to be very busy this weekend, putting our handing over notes together.

“The President also emphasised that he will require another little briefing from all MDAs to indicate inherited projects, how it has been executed, initiated projects by his administration and their level of completion (whether completed or ongoing or abandoned).”

She said that already the transition committee, headed by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, and an inaugural committee, headed by the SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim, had been set up by the president for a smooth transition.

Akwashiki maintained that the Jonathan’s administration would continue to function until May 29.

She, however, disclosed that anything about governance would be concluded by the Jonathan’s administration on May 28, while May 29 would be reserved for the swearing-in of the new administration of retired Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

According to her, a dinner will be held on May 28 to signify the end of governance by the present administration.

She said that this year’s Democracy Day would be celebrated in spite of the inauguration of the new President on the same date.

“Also, you know that May 29 is our Democracy Day. So, we have activities lined up all through that week, showcasing what we have achieved and all other things that we do normally on our Democracy Day, except that this year is special with the inauguration of our new President.”

•Photo shows Jonathan

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