ABUJA – In a significant development, the Council of State, comprising former Presidents, Heads of State, Senate leadership, House of Representatives, and state governors, has characterized the recent nationwide protests against bad governance as an “attempted regime change.” The council, which convened for the first time under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, unanimously passed a vote of confidence in his leadership.
Prominent figures including Generals Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, along with former President Goodluck Jonathan, supported President Tinubu during the council meeting. While Buhari and Jonathan attended in person, Generals Gowon and Abubakar participated virtually. Notably absent were Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida, with no official reason provided.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, briefed the press after the meeting, highlighting that the council commended President Tinubu for his firm stance against what was perceived as a movement aimed at forcibly changing the government. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, provided a detailed report on the security situation, emphasizing the council’s view that any attempt to disrupt Nigeria’s democracy should be met with resistance.
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In a shocking revelation, the Federal Government traced N83 billion in cryptocurrency and fiat money, allegedly funneled into the protests. The funds include $50 million in cryptocurrency, with $38 million blocked across four wallets. The involvement of foreign entities in the protest, including an unidentified European mastermind, was also disclosed by NSA Ribadu, who announced that this individual would soon be declared wanted by the police.
The governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, affirmed that both the Governors’ Forum and the Council of State were united in their support for President Tinubu. Following detailed presentations by seven ministers on economic diversification and other national issues, the governors and council members expressed satisfaction with the current administration’s direction.
Amid concerns over national security, the council reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to safeguarding democracy. The NSA reiterated that any change in government must occur through the electoral process and not through unconstitutional means. The security agencies, he added, are fully prepared to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and democratic institutions.
