Jonathan, Buhari, NGF, others pass vote of confidence on Tinubu amidst economic downturn
…Council of State warns against insurrection, supports democratic process
…Finance Minister presents update on economy, highlights progress under Tinubu
By Matthew Denis
Amidst the skyrocketed inflation and the just concluded nationwide Hunger Protests, the National Council of State, consisting of former Presidents, Heads of State, top legislative leaders, and state governors, has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This decision was made during a high-level meeting held on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Council, which includes prominent figures such as Generals Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed its support for Tinubu’s leadership.
While Buhari and Jonathan were physically present, Generals Gowon and Abubakar joined the meeting virtually. Notably absent were former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida, with no official explanation provided for their non-attendance.
During the meeting, which was presided over by President Tinubu, the Council discussed the recent nationwide protests that have highlighted issues of hunger and poor governance. The Council described these protests as an “insurrection” and warned that they were aimed at an attempted regime change rather than a peaceful demonstration.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, emphasised the Council’s unanimous decision to support President Tinubu’s approach to governance. He noted that the Council was particularly impressed with the economic progress reported by various ministers during their presentations.
The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, also addressed the media, highlighting the Council’s praise for President Tinubu’s resistance to any forceful attempts to undermine his government.
Alake underscored the importance of maintaining the democratic process, stating that any change in leadership should occur through elections, not insurrection.
In addition, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, provided the Council with a detailed briefing on the country’s security situation, particularly in light of the recent protests. He reiterated the Council’s stance against any actions that could destabilise the nation’s hard-earned democracy.
Furthermore, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, presented an update on the economy, outlining the progress made under Tinubu’s administration, especially in the areas of economic diversification and stability.
