The Council of State yesterday characterized a recent protest against poor governance in the country as an attempt at regime change. The council, which includes former Presidents and Heads of State, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the serving and retired Chief Justices of Nigeria, as well as state governors, also expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The former leaders who supported the confidence vote in President Tinubu included Generals Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, along with former President Goodluck Jonathan. While Buhari and Jonathan attended the meeting in person, Generals Gowon and Abubakar participated virtually.
However, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) were absent without any explanation provided.
Following the meeting, which was the first under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Minister of Solid Mineral Development Dr. Dele Alake briefed the press, commending Tinubu for resisting an attempted coup.
Alake noted that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, informed the council about the security situation in the country, particularly concerning the events surrounding the nationwide protests.
Alake stated that the #EndBadGovernance protest was not merely a protest but a movement. The Council of State emphasized that any change in government should be achieved through elections, not through insurrection.
He also mentioned that seven ministers presented reports on progress in economic diversification.
Alake further explained, “The Council of State meeting was attended by all former heads of state, either physically or virtually. Generals Buhari and Jonathan were present in person, while others joined via Zoom. This demonstrates strong support for President Tinubu.
Various issues were thoroughly discussed, including the nation’s security, which the National Security Adviser addressed, reassuring the council that the government had successfully resisted the attempt to change the regime by force.
The council thanked Nigerians for upholding constitutional democracy and emphasized that any change in government should occur through elections.
After the NSA’s briefing, fears were allayed, and it was reassured that Nigeria’s democracy and territorial integrity would be protected. Any change of government must be through the ballot box, not through violence or unconstitutional means.
Regarding the vote of confidence in Tinubu’s administration, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said that the council unanimously expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership. He noted that the meeting was productive, with the NGF members satisfied with the presentations from the Federal Executive Council, leading to further discussions between the NGF and the President. Both the NGF and the Council of State unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the President.”
