The Council of State in Nigeria, which comprises former Presidents, state governors, and key government officials, has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This announcement follows the council’s discussion of recent protests against poor governance, which they have described as an attempt to forcibly change the government.
During the meeting, former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan joined others in commending Tinubu for his firm stance against the unrest. While former leaders like Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar attended virtually, the absence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida raised some eyebrows, though no reason was provided for their non-attendance.
After the meeting, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, briefed journalists, stating that the council praised Tinubu for his commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy. According to Alake, the recent protests, which were labeled the #EndBadGovernance movement, were seen by the council as more than just public dissatisfaction—they were viewed as an organized attempt to overthrow the government.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, provided the council with an overview of the security situation in the country, especially during the protests. Ribadu explained that the government had to take firm action to prevent any unconstitutional attempts to destabilize the nation. He emphasized that in Nigeria’s democracy, changes in government should only occur through the ballot box, not through protests or insurrection.
Ribadu reassured the council that security forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s democracy and territorial integrity. He praised the Nigerian people for rejecting any illegal efforts to forcefully change the government, reinforcing the importance of elections as the proper means for expressing political change.
In addition to the security briefing, seven government ministers provided updates on the nation’s economic and developmental progress. Their presentations focused on ongoing efforts to diversify the economy and improve overall governance. Alake noted that the council was generally satisfied with the updates, which highlighted the government’s work in various sectors.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, further expressed the forum’s satisfaction with the way President Tinubu has been handling the country’s affairs. He reported that after the council meeting, the governors held a private session with Tinubu, where they discussed the nation’s progress and challenges in a candid and constructive manner. Abdulrazaq described the discussions as productive, noting that both the council and the governors unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.
The council’s endorsement of Tinubu’s administration is seen as a strong signal of stability and continuity in Nigeria’s political landscape. This support is particularly crucial at a time when the country faces economic challenges and social unrest. By standing behind Tinubu, the council is sending a clear message that any efforts to disrupt Nigeria’s democracy will not be tolerated.
In his closing remarks, Alake reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting the democratic values that Nigeria has fought hard to establish. He urged citizens to continue to engage in the democratic process through legal and peaceful means, reminding everyone that elections are the appropriate way to bring about change.
Source: Vanguard
