Acting President Goodluck yesterday constituted a 26-man Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) to assist him in discharging his duties. Former Defence Minister Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Danjuma heads the council, which will be inaugurated at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
Renowned constitutional lawyer Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN) is deputy chairman.
Members are: Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Amb. G. B. Preware; Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, Mr. Basil Omiyi; Alhaji M. D. Yusufu, Mallam Muhammed Hayatuddeen; Justice Alfa Belgore; Hon. Chibudom Nwuche; Dr. Bamanga Tukur; Alhaji Ismaila Isa; Prof. Shehu Said Sarinwata, and Dr. Simon C. Okolo.
Others are Chairman, National Economic Summit Group, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; Mr. Fola Adeola; Mallam Abubakar Gimba; Mr. Kase Lawal; Mrs. Mobola Johnson; Hajiya Halita Aliyu; Alhaji Magaji Danbatta; Prof. B. G. Bajoga; Dr. Sally Bolujoko; Mrs. Mariam Uwais, and Chief Kanu Agabi.
The Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is Secretary.
The council is expected to look into government programmes and projects with a view to making inputs, especially on areas requiring adjustments.
According to its terms of reference, the Council will focus on power, economy, security, infrastructure and electoral process, among others.
This move is seen by many as parts of effort to chart a new course for the presidency.
Jonathan had carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle barely 24 hours he became acting president.
In the exercise, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Michael Aondoakaa moved to the Ministry of Special Duties and was replaced with former Labour Minister Adetokunbo Kayode.
PAC, according to Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, “is to provide alternative inputs into policy formation, promote good governance in the areas of power, economy, security, infrastructure, social sector, the electoral process, and the fight against corruption, among others.”
Other terms of reference include:” to evaluate policy implementation and advise on areas requiring adjustments; to advise the President on how to maximize the benefits derivable from government’s efforts; to advise on such actions and programmes that may improve credibility and performance of the government, and advise on any other matter referred to it by the acting president.”