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IBB, Abdulsalami join virtually
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday presided over the second Council of State meeting under his administration at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Notably absent in physical attendance were former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, while former Heads of State Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar joined the session virtually.
The hybrid meeting, which commenced around 1:30 p.m., included key national leaders such as Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State (also joining virtually), serving governors of states including Kwara, Rivers, Enugu, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Borno, Ogun, Sokoto, Edo, Kaduna, and Abia, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Senators such as Godswill Akpabio.
The gathering also had in attendance former Chief Justices Muhammad Tanko, Mohammed Belgore, Walter Onnoghen, and Olukayode Ariwoola alongside Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi.
The Council of State, the highest advisory body under the 1999 Constitution, advises the President on critical national matters including security, national census, prerogative of mercy, INEC appointments, and maintenance of public order.
This session takes place just 48 hours after the INEC Chairman position became vacant, fuelling expectations that the appointment of a new electoral commission chief would be a key discussion point.
In addition, prevailing insecurity in various parts of the country and preparations for the 2027 general elections are expected to dominate the agenda.
Following the Council of State meeting, the Nigeria Police Council was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. to consider police appointments, promotions, and strategies to bolster national security coordination.
This meeting marks President Tinubu’s second time hosting the Council since August 2024, he held the first reinforcing his leadership role in consulting with Nigeria’s former national leaders and key government officials on pressing governance issues.
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