Former Nigerian leaders, including General Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu’s leadership of the nation.
The vote of confidence was announced during a meeting of the National Council of State, presided over by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
Former Presidents Buhari and Jonathan attended the meeting in person, while General Gowon and General Abubakar joined virtually.
However, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida were absent.
The National Council of State, which has no executive powers, serves as an advisory body to the federal government. Its membership includes the President (who is the Chairman), the Vice President (Deputy Chairman), all former Presidents and Heads of Government, all former Chief Justices of Nigeria, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, all Governors, and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.
Briefing correspondents after the meeting, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said the council unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu for his governance of the country. He stated that the council was satisfied with the presentations made by ministers on the progress of the economy.
“Gentlemen of the press, we indeed had a very robust meeting. The highlight of the meeting was the unanimous passage of a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Members, especially those from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, were satisfied with the presentations made by members of the Federal Executive Council. Following the meeting, there was an executive session between the Nigerian Governors’ Forum members and the President. Frank and fruitful discussions were held, and I’m pleased to say that we’re on the right track. Similarly, members of the NGF, like those of the Council of State, also passed a vote of confidence on the President.
“We wish him well and prayed for God’s guidance. Thank you very much.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, praised Tinubu for resisting attempts at a forceful takeover of the government. Alake, who characterized the recent #EndBadGovernance action as a movement rather than a protest, affirmed that no one will be allowed to change the government except through the ballot box.
He revealed that seven ministers presented to the council on the progress being made in economic diversification and other areas.
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Alake stated: “As you are all aware, the Council of State just concluded its meeting with all former heads of state in attendance, either physically or virtually.
“Most of them attended physically, including General Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan, while the others participated virtually via Zoom.
“In principle, all were in attendance, which is a testament to the support they are giving to our current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Various issues were discussed extensively at the meeting. The Council of State also includes all governors, security advisers, and the Attorney General, who were all present.
“Some ministers, including myself as Minister of Solid Minerals, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Finance Minister Mr. Wale Edun, made presentations. Other ministers who presented included the Minister of Budget, the Minister of Works, the Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Doris, and the Minister of Agriculture.
“These seven ministers made individual presentations, which were well-received based on immediate feedback.
“At the end, state matters were discussed in a robust and frank manner. The National Security Adviser also briefed the council on the security situation, including pre-, during-, and post-event details of the recent protests, which I describe as a movement aimed at a forced regime change.
“The council thanked Nigerians for resisting any unconstitutional attempts to change the government. If anyone is dissatisfied with the current administration, they should wait for the next election to cast their vote.
“The NSA reassured everyone about the tight security around the country and the readiness of all security agencies to protect Nigeria’s democracy. Any change of government must come through the ballot box, not through insurrection or any other unconstitutional means.
“The details of the ministers’ presentations are extensive, but in summary, they highlighted progress in each sector of the economy. The Renewed Hope Agenda emphasizes economic diversification, which is why all relevant ministers participated in the meeting.
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stated that the ministers updated the council on the progress of macroeconomic policies, which he said have placed the country on a path of growth and stability.
He explained: “As the honorable Minister of Solid Minerals and Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has mentioned, we had the opportunity to present to the Council of State, especially the former presidents who participated in large numbers. I updated them on the economy and the progress made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. These policies are anchored in his eight priority areas, and the results to date have been very encouraging.
“We reviewed data from the first and second quarters of 2023, and broadly, the economy is growing. The balance of payments, particularly the trade balance and current account balance, is in surplus. The exchange rate is stabilizing, and although inflation remains high, it is slowing and expected to decrease.
“Support for the economy from both foreign and domestic investors, including participation in important public-private partnerships and recovering foreign direct investment, is notable.
“We reported positive progress and identified opportunities for investment and growth, especially in the service sector, which includes software services, computer services, accounting services, and personnel services provided by young Nigerians.
“In summary, we presented an optimistic outlook for the Nigerian economy and society, with prospects for continued economic growth and progress.”
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