- IBB, Gowon, absent
Former Head of Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan are attending are currently attending the National Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari
Shonekan arrived 10.36am, Obasanjo 10.51am, Abubakar 10.56 am and Jonathan 11.08am
The meeting started after 11am shortly after President stepped into the council chambers.
The council comprises of past presidents and heads of state, Chief Justices of Nigeria, leadership of the National Assembly, state governors among others.
Obasanjo offered the opening Christian prayer while Mohammed Uwais said the Muslim prayer. This was followed by a one minute silence in honour of late former President Shehu Shagari, late Aloysius Katsina Alu, Idris Kutigi
Also at the meeting are the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
State governors at the meeting include those from Osun, Kebbi, Zamfara, Plateau, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Edo, Lagos, Niger, Borno, Ogun, Ekiti, Kogi as well as Deputy State governors of Bauchi, Kaduna, and Rivers.
Others present are the National security Adviser (NSA) Gen Babagana Monguno(rtd), Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mohammed Bello and Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige,
In a brief remark during the opening session, the Secretary to the Government of the Federations, Boss Mustapha said that the meeting will discuss five point agenda without providing details.
However, it was learnt that other issues likely to form the crux of discussions at the meeting include the National minimum wage, and confirmation of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
The forthcoming general elections and security of the nation are also expected to engage the attention of the Council of State.
The last time the council of state held was 11 months ago, on February 22, 2018 to deliberate on Nigeria’s economy, security and 2019 elections.
The council advises the President in the exercise of his powers with respect to the: National population census and compilation, publication and keeping of records and other information concerning the same; Prerogative of mercy; Award of National honours; The Independent National Electoral Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission); The National Judicial Council (including the appointment of the members, other than ex-officio members of that Council); and The National Population Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission).
The counsel also advises the President whenever requested to do so on the maintenance of public order within the Federation or any part thereof and on such other matters as the President may direct.
The meeting is still in progress.
Details later.
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