The National Council of State, on Tuesday unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The meeting consisted of former Presidents, Heads of State, top legislative leaders, and state governors.
This decision was made during a high-level meeting at the Council Chamber of Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Council, which included former leaders such as Generals Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, and 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.
But absent among the past Heads of State were the former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida.
No official explanation was provided for their non-attendance of the meeting.
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, emphasized the Council’s unanimous decision to support President Tinubu’s approach to governance.
He pointed out that the Council was particularly impressed with the economic progress reported by various ministers during their presentations.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, 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.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, briefed the Council on the country’s security situation, particularly dwelling on the recent protests.
He reiterated the Council’s stance against any actions that could destabilize the nation’s hard-earned democracy.
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.