BEVERLY HILLS, September 07, (THEWILL) – The Council of State meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, has declared its support for the measures by the Federal Government to take the country out of recession.
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar, briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting saying that members endorsed the measures after making some suggestions.
“The Council was also briefed on the state of the economy. The Minister of State (ministry of Budget and Planning) made a presentation to council on the ways and manner in which the Federal Government is approaching the recession path that we are going through,” Ambode revealed.
“Council was confident and also approved the measures the Federal Government is putting in at ensuring that Nigeria goes on the path of recovery as quickly as possible.
“Details were given. Suggestions were made by council members. It was also resolved that those suggestions be imputed into whatever it is that the federal government is doing in order for us to fast track our recovery.
“We deliberated on the appointment of six national commissioners for INEC. You know INEC is supposed to have 12. We had approved six sometimes last year and additional six were approved today. And those six represent six nominees from the six geo-political zones.
“They are Mohammed Haruna (North Central); AVM Ahmed Tijani Mu’Azu, rtd (North East);Abubakar Nahuca (North West); Professor Okechukwu Ibanu (South East); May Agbamuche Mbu (South South) and Dr. Adekunle Ladipo Ogunmola (South West).
“You may wish to know that we approved five new commissioners for the National Population Commission (NPC).They are Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji (Oyo); Ms.Patricia Iyaya(Benue); Mr. Benedict Ukpong(Akwa Ibom); Dr. Halu Bala (Kebbi); and Gloria Isofo (Bayelsa).”
The Council, which is chaired by the sitting President, comprises the sitting vice president as the deputy chairman, all former Presidents and Heads of State, all former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, state Governors and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In attendance were former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernerst Shionekan; former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubarkar; former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Lawal Uwais; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alpha Belgore and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi among others.
Story by David Oputah
