The National Council of State, on Tuesday, issued a strong vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration while also commending Nigerians for resisting any attempts at unconstitutional change of government. This resolution came at the end of a four-hour meeting held on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja.
The Council meeting, which was attended in person by former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, also saw virtual participation from former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar. The gathering was the first under President Tinubu’s leadership, reflecting significant discussions on national issues and challenges.
During the meeting, various cabinet members, including the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, provided individual presentations on their respective portfolios. Alake noted that the ministers covered topics such as roadmaps for development, prospects, challenges, and prioritizing the diversification of Nigeria’s economy.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, briefed the Council on the security situation in the country, including measures taken before, during, and after recent protests. This comprehensive briefing was crucial given the national security concerns highlighted by recent unrest.
Alake described the protests as an attempt at insurrection, aimed at forcibly changing the government. The Council firmly stated that any change in government should occur through democratic means, not through violence or unlawful methods.
After the presentation, Council of State passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s administration. Kwara State Governor, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), confirmed that all 36 state governors were in agreement with the President’s approach. Abdulrahman praised the recent presentations by the Executive Cabinet, expressing satisfaction with the administration’s direction over the past 14 months.
He highlighted that the discussions were frank and productive, leading to a consensus that the Tinubu administration is on the right path. This endorsement from the NGF underscores a unified support for the President’s policies and governance style.
It is worth noting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not attend this Council of State meeting. His absence was significant given the context of the meeting and his prominent role in Nigerian politics. The Council’s meeting, occurring amidst substantial national challenges, marks a crucial moment for President Tinubu’s leadership.
The meeting took place shortly after widespread protests known as the EndBadGovernance protests. These demonstrations were sparked by economic hardships, including the recent removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to increased living costs and inflation. The protests have highlighted urgent issues that require attention from both the government and the Council.
The Council’s focus on addressing food security, national security, and economic policies reflects the seriousness of these concerns. The presence of key figures such as the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, further emphasizes the gravity of the discussions.
Several state governors attended the meeting, both in person and virtually. Notable attendees included Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, and others. Their participation demonstrates a collaborative effort among state and federal leaders to address national issues effectively.