Nigerians received a pat on the back yesterday for resisting unconstitutional change of government during the recent protest over the economic crisis.
The Council of State, which hailed their commitment to democratic stability, also passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for displaying leadership qualities.
The advisory council, made up of serving and past presidents/heads of state, and governors, reflected on the state of the nation during its meeting in Aso Villa, Abuja. It is the first meeting of the body since President Tinubu assumed the reins last year.
Present at the meeting were former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Former military Heads of State – General Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar – joined virtually.
But former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida were absent.
Governors who also joined the meeting virtually are Alex Otti (Abia), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Amodu Fintri (Adamawa).
Seven members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC)made presentations to the Council on the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
They included National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, and Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Anite-Uzoka.
Vote of confidence in Tinubu:
Kwara State Governor and the chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, told reporters after the meeting that the council unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu for the way he has governed the country.
He also said the council was satisfied with the presentations made by ministers on the progress of the economy.
AbdulRasaq said: “The high note of the meeting was a unanimous passage of a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Members, especially those of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, were satisfied with the presentation by the members of the Federal Executive Council, and after that meeting, there was an executive session between members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Mr President, and frank and fruitful discussions were held between both parties, and I’m glad to say we’re on the right track.
“And to say in the same vein, members of the NGF also, like the members of the Council of State, passed a vote of confidence in Mr President.
“We also wish him well and pray for God guidance for him.”