President Tinubu presides over his first Council of State meeting, marking a key moment in his administration.
The first Council of State meeting under the administration of President Bola Tinubu is currently being chaired by him.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are attending the meeting which has a virtual component. Former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan are present physically at the same gathering.
Retired Generals Abdulsalami Abubakar and Yakubu Gowon are also taking part virtually.
Also present at the meeting are State governors, a few ministers and ex-Chief Justices of Nigeria. It’s noteworthy that this is President Tinubu’s premier Council of State gathering since taking office 14 months back. Moreover, it happens to be the initial conference after February 10th, 2023 under former Head Buhari.
A constitutional group known as the National Council of State offers advice to the executive branch on important issues, including policy-making.
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The President serves as chairperson and is accompanied by members such as Vice President, former Presidents/Heads of state, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Senate president and Speaker for House representatives alongside others like the Attorney-General & Secretary to Government in Federation plus all Governors representing each state respectively.
The primary function of the Council is to provide advice and guidance concerning matters such as national security, appointments, and economic policies.
Assembled for essential deliberations on issues including but not limited to national defense concerns, economic hardships that arise, and selection processes for high-ranking officials like Independent National Electoral Commission members or National Population Commissioners along with Police Service Commission appointees.
Additionally, the Council provides guidance on the utilization of presidential authority in regards to granting pardons and commutations.
The Council convenes meetings as required, especially during times of notable national difficulties that can leverage the combined knowledge provided by past and current leaders.
While not compulsory, the suggestions put forth by the council bear considerable weight in shaping presidential determinations.
Additional information will be provided at a later time.
