-Godwin Orozo
In a show of unity, former Nigerian leaders, including General Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have expressed their confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
This vote of confidence was announced during a National Council of State meeting on Tuesday, presided over by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Notably, Buhari and Jonathan were present in person, while Generals Gowon and Abubakar joined the meeting virtually. However, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida were absent.
The National Council of State, an advisory body to the federal government, consists of the President, Vice President, former Presidents and Heads of State, former Chief Justices, the Senate President, Speaker of the House, all Governors, and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, confirmed the unanimous vote of confidence. “The council was satisfied with the presentations made by ministers on the economy’s progress,” he said. “Members, especially those from the NGF, were pleased with the discussions and expressed confidence in the President’s leadership.”
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, also spoke highly of Tinubu’s resolve against any unconstitutional change of government. He noted, “The Council of State’s meeting saw active participation from all former heads of state, which is a testament to their support for President Tinubu.”
Alake highlighted the contributions of several ministers who presented updates on economic diversification and other key areas. “These presentations were well-received, and the council was briefed on the security situation, affirming the government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, provided an optimistic outlook on the country’s economic progress, emphasizing the positive impacts of Tinubu’s policies. “We have seen growth in various sectors, and while challenges remain, the economy is on a path to stability,” Edun stated.
The meeting concluded with the Council of State reaffirming their support for Tinubu’s administration, urging Nigerians to uphold the democratic process.
