Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a Presidential Advisory Council on the formation of policy for his administration.
The omnibus council, which will advise Jonathan on virtually all areas of governance, is to be chaired by former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, while prominent constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, will serve as Deputy Chairman.

According to a statement yesterday by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Acting President, Ima Niboro, the council would 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.
It will evaluate policy implementation and advise Jonathan on areas requiring adjustments.

The council will also advise the Acting President on how to maximize the benefits derivable from government’s efforts; advise on such actions and programmes that may improve credibility and performance of the government; and advise on any other matter referred to it.
Niboro said the committee would be inaugurated at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, March 4, 2010, at10 am.

Other members of the council are former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Alfa Belgore, former Secretary-General of Commonwealth Emeka Anyaoku, former Inspector-General of Police M.D. Yusuf, former Minister of Science and Productivity Bartholomew Nnaji, pioneer Managing Director (MD) of Guaranty Trust Bank Fola Adeola, Mallam Abubakar Gimba, ex-Shell MD Basil Omiyi and Ambassador G. B. Preware.

Others include Chairman, National Economic Summit Group Sam Ohuabunwa, ex-MD of FSB International Bank, Mallam Muhammed Hayatuddeen, former Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche, former Justice Minister and Attorney-General of the Federation Kanu Agabi and President of Africa Business Roundtable and former Minister of Industry Bamanga Tukur.
Former Mtel Chairman Hajiya Halita Aliyu, Chairman, Allied Energy Kase Lawal, Alhaji Ismaila Isa, Alhaji Magaji Danbatta, Prof. B. G. Bajoga, Dr. (Mrs) Sally Bolujoko and Mrs. Mariam Uwais are also members of the committee.

The remaining members are Mrs. Mobola Johnson, Prof. Shehu Said Sarinwata and Dr. Simon C. Okolo.
The Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would serve as Secretary.
On taking over as Acting President, Jonathan had said he would prioritise on a few of the most critical areas and listed some of the critical sectors as power, infrastructure and security.

He also promised to continue the Amnesty programme for repentant militants in the Niger Delta, pursue the anti-corruption war more robustly and ensure a credible electoral process.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown had also written to the Acting President, asking him to pay attention to electoral reform, peace in Niger Delta, the anti-corruption battle and the global fight against terrorism.

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