A closed-door meeting is underway between President Bola Tinubu and traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa’s Council Chamber in Abuja.
The meeting with monarchs is the second private session Tinubu is holding today, Thursday, amidst growing calls for a planned protest on August 1.
The meeting is attended by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, cabinet members, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and the Minister of Information, Mr. Mohammed Idris, among others.
Also in attendance are key security and industry leaders, such as Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyar, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
In attendance among the traditional rulers are the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Dein of Agbor, and His Rohal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborokuzi I.
The current meeting follows a series of earlier gatherings, including the President’s meeting with the Progressive Governors Forum this morning and the Nigeria Governors Forum meeting on Wednesday evening.
Additionally, the cancellation of the National Economic Council meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday afternoon, paved the way for the crucial gathering.
Initiatives aimed at calming tensions and addressing the concerns of protesters dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the country’s economic situation are believed to connect to the meeting.
The meeting was attended by a high-powered delegation, comprising National Security Adviser Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, Finance Minister, Mr. Wale Edun, and Budget Minister Sen. Atiku Bagudu.
The gathering also drew several state governors, including Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who heads the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
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