Council of State Did Not Pass Vote of Confidence on Tinubu – Report

Politics Nigeria

A recent revelation has contradicted earlier statements made by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who had claimed that the National Council of State (NCS) passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu during its inaugural meeting last week.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), previously announced that both the NCS and the NGF had jointly expressed their confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership.

“The highlight of the (Council) meeting was a unanimous passage of a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” the Kwara governor stated.

However, a high-ranking official who attended the meeting has refuted this claim, describing it as “a false narrative presented to the media.”

The official emphasized the gravity of the Council of State meetings, which are attended by distinguished members, including former Presidents, Heads of State, and top judiciary and legislative officials. The source clarified that such a meeting cannot be compared to a town hall gathering, where votes of confidence are typically taken.

“The Council of State is a serious advisory body with a set agenda. At no point was there a motion to debate or pass a vote of confidence on the agenda,” the official explained, noting that such votes are typically associated with parliamentary systems of government, whereas Nigeria operates a presidential system.

According to the source, after the meeting concluded, Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, suggested that, given the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, it might be beneficial for the Council to show solidarity with President Tinubu.

“Almost immediately after the AGF’s suggestion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stood up to, in his words, second the motion for the Council to pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the official recounted. However, he noted that no former Presidents, Heads of State, or governors present at the meeting commented on the motion, implying discomfort with the suggestion.

Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari were both physically present at the meeting. The source suggested that these former leaders were likely embarrassed by Governor AbdulRazaq’s public claim.