All former head of states to meet in Abuja today, proffers solution to inflation, protest
All living former presidents and heads of state are anticipated to gather at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja at noon today (Tuesday) for a Council of State meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu.
This meeting marks President Tinubu’s first since he took office 14 months ago, during which members will deliberate on recent national developments, particularly the #EndBadGovernance protests, as well as issues related to the economy, food security, and national safety.
This gathering occurs 18 months after the council last convened on February 10, 2023, under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who had called the meeting to address the 2023 elections, challenges arising from the new naira policy, and fuel shortages.
According to sources familiar with the agenda, President Tinubu and his predecessors are set to discuss seven critical topics. An anonymous source indicated that the President will present on “The Nationwide Protest as it Affects National Security and the State of the Economy.”
The President will also discuss food security issues.
The source said, “The Council of State meeting is on Tuesday. I think it is the first one we will be holding since this President came into office because the last one was on February 10, 2023.
“We expect all former Presidents and Heads of State, Muhammadu Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida.
“The President will present on seven key areas, such as the nationwide protest as it affects national security, the state of the economy, food security, availability and affordability—that one is in the agric sector—consolidating the gains in the solid minerals sector. Then he will also talk about renewed hope in budgeting and planning for sustained development, renewed hope in the road sector, and leading a strong industrial base for transformation and growth.”
The council is meeting days after Nigerians, mostly youths, hit the roads in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for a one-million-man march. The march, which suffered a low turnout, was meant to mark the 10th day of the nationwide protest against the biting cost of living.
In the early days of the protest, on August 1, demonstrations deteriorated into violence, destruction of property and loss of lives in many parts of the nation.
According to The PUNCH, at least 17 persons lost their lives in the “days of rage”.
On Saturday, August 3, 2024, some protesters in Kano State were spotted flying what appeared to be the Russian flag. Viral photos and videos taken in the northern state showed demonstrators waving the Russian flag as they chanted in Hausa, “We don’t want bad government.”
Protesters in Kaduna were also seen waving the Russian flag and chanting in Hausa, “Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia. Russia, an Eastern power which is currently mired in a cold war with the West, has been blamed for several unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and among others.
But the Nigerian military said persons flying the Russian flag are committing treason and will, therefore, be “prosecuted”. It also said it is investigating those who are instigating the move and will “take serious action” against them.
Culled: punchng.com
