Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday presided over a hybrid high-level session of the Council of State and Police Council.
The meeting, convened at the instance of President Tinubu to address pressing national security challenges, had in attendance former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), who both joined virtually.
Physically present at the council meeting were former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Alfa Belgore, Walter Onnoghen, Tanko Muhammad, and Kayode Ariwoola.
Others are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman.
Also present are: Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo and Edo State Governor and Monday Okphebolo.
Also attending the meeting are Governor Abia State, Alex Oti, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.
Deputy Governors present: Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; Osun State, Kola Adewusi; Bauchi State and Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo.
The meeting is also to deliberate on the outlined strategic reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s policing architecture.
The Thursday, October 9th Council of State meeting is the second that President Tinubu will be presiding over after the first held on August 12th, 2024.
The Council of State, a statutory body established under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), serves a pivotal advisory role in the governance and strategic direction of the nation.
The meeting will focus on matters of national importance and key issues affecting security across the country.
Police Council Phase
Meanwhile, the Police council meeting began at 2:39 pm local time, under the Chairmanship of President Bola Tinubu.
Shortly before the Police Sessions, Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida and Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, exited the virtual participation after the Council of State meeting.
Former Chief Justices of Nigeria — Alfa Belgore, Walter Onnoghen, Tanko Muhammad, and Kayode Ariwoola — also exited the council chamber before the commencement of the Police Council session.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetoken, also joined the meeting alongside the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu.
The council advises the President on the appointment or removal of the Inspector-General of Police. Council members also confirm the appointment of a new IGP before it becomes official.
The Council deliberates on broad policies for the organisation, administration, and supervision of the Nigeria Police Force. Discussions often include reforms, discipline, training, and welfare of police personnel.
Members review national security reports, focusing on internal security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and communal conflicts.
They also assess intergovernmental coordination between federal and state security agencies.