The Council of State, comprising former Presidents, Heads of State, top government officials, and state governors, has condemned the recent nationwide protest against bad governance, describing it as an attempted regime change.
This strong stance was revealed during the council’s meeting, the first under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a show of solidarity, the council, which included former leaders such as Generals Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former President Goodluck Jonathan, passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s government.
While Buhari and Jonathan attended the meeting in person, Generals Gowon and Abubakar joined virtually.
Notably absent were Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida, with no reasons given for their non-attendance.
According to Vanguard, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, briefed the press after the meeting, praising Tinubu for resisting what he described as a forcible attempt to overthrow the government.
He stated, “The council praised Nigerians for resisting any unconstitutional move to change the government. Any dissatisfaction with the current administration should be addressed through elections, not through insurrection.”
Alake also mentioned that the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, informed the council of the security measures taken before, during, and after the protests.
He emphasized that the protests were more than just a demonstration, describing them as a movement aimed at regime change, which was successfully thwarted.
The council discussed various national issues, with seven ministers presenting updates on the progress in economic diversification and other areas.
Alake highlighted the unanimous support from the council, saying, “The former heads of state and governors have shown their strong backing for President Tinubu’s leadership.”
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, confirmed that the council unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu’s administration.
He added, “Members of the NGF were satisfied with the progress made so far and engaged in fruitful discussions with the President.”
The meeting ended with a reaffirmation of the council’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that any change in government occurs only through the ballot box.
