The Council of State held its first meeting under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, where the members expressed their appreciation to Nigerians for standing firm against any unconstitutional attempts to change the government, particularly during the #EndBadGovernance protests. The council also conveyed its confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, shared these developments with journalists after the meeting. He revealed that former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari were physically present, while former Heads of State Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar joined the meeting online. Governors from various states, including Abia, Adamawa, and Akwa Ibom, also participated.
According to Alake, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu informed the council about the security situation surrounding the protests. He characterized these protests as an attempt to forcefully change the government, which was successfully resisted by the people. Ribadu emphasized the importance of using elections as the proper means to express dissatisfaction with any administration.
Alake noted that the council praised Nigerians for upholding democracy and assured them that security agencies are fully committed to protecting the nation’s democratic process. Any change of government, he stressed, must be achieved through the ballot box, not through unconstitutional means.
During the meeting, seven ministers, including Alake, gave presentations on their respective ministries, discussing progress, prospects, and challenges. These presentations were part of the broader “Renewed Hope” agenda, which focuses on economic diversification.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who chairs the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, highlighted that the council passed a unanimous vote of confidence in President Tinubu. He mentioned that after listening to the ministers’ presentations, the governors had a productive executive session with the President and were optimistic about the direction in which the country is headed.
Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, reported encouraging economic progress under President Tinubu. He pointed out growth in the economy, a surplus in key financial balances, and stabilizing inflation. Edun also highlighted the positive contributions from both foreign and domestic investors, especially in infrastructure, and expressed an optimistic outlook for the Nigerian economy.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu is set to embark on a three-day official visit to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, beginning August 13. During this visit, he will engage in discussions with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, focusing on oil, gas, and security, with the goal of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Accompanying him on the trip will be the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, along with other members of his cabinet.
