The Council of State, comprising former presidents, governors, and other leaders, has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The council praised Tinubu for resisting a forceful takeover of government and commended Nigerians for resisting unconstitutional moves to change the government. The council also discussed the recent protests, describing them as an attempted regime change.
The meeting, presided over by President Tinubu, was attended by former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar, who joined virtually. However, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida were absent.
The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, briefed journalists after the meeting, stating that the council unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu’s administration. He noted that the council was satisfied with the presentations made by ministers on the progress of the economy.
Ministers who made presentations included the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget; the Minister of Works; the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris; and the Minister of Agriculture.
Dr. Alake revealed that the council described the recent protests as a movement aimed at regime change, rather than a genuine protest. He emphasized that any change of government must be through the ballot box, not through insurrection or unconstitutional means.
Minister of Finance Wale Edun reported on the economy, highlighting progress in macroeconomic policies, economic diversification, and growth. He noted that the economy is growing, with a surplus in trade balance and current account balance, and a stabilizing exchange rate. He also emphasized the opportunities for investment and growth in the non-oil export sector and the service sector.
