The National Council of State has firmly asserted that any transition of power in Nigeria must strictly follow constitutional guidelines, dismissing recent demands from protesters for President Bola Tinubu to resign.
The council also expressed strong support for President Tinubu, praising his achievements since taking office last year.
This declaration came in response to the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, where some groups called for the President’s resignation. During a meeting held on Tuesday, the council voiced its disapproval of these demands and underscored the critical importance of maintaining constitutional governance in the nation.
The meeting was attended by prominent national leaders, including former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, who were present in person, while former Heads of State Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar participated virtually. Other key figures in attendance included state governors, deputy governors, ministers, former Chief Justices of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Security Adviser.
Following the meeting, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State briefed State House correspondents, highlighting the council’s praise for President Tinubu’s policy decisions over the past year. “The Council commended the President for the policy decisions he has taken since assuming office,” Abdulrasaq remarked.
In a separate executive session between the governors and President Tinubu, the governors also expressed their confidence in his leadership, further reinforcing their support for his administration.
During the meeting, the council was presented with a report by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, detailing the current security situation in the country as well as a preliminary report on the recent protests. The council expressed concern that the protests could be an attempt to destabilize the current administration.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who joined Governor Abdulrasaq in addressing the press, emphasized the council’s gratitude to Nigerians for resisting any unconstitutional efforts to change the government. “The council thanked Nigerians at large for rejecting any unconstitutional moves to change the government,” Alake stated.
