Election Shift: Full House As Council Of State Meeting Underway In Abuja

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, Nigeria 2015 Election Thursday, February 5th, 2015

From Ganiyu Nasirudeen, Abuja – The Council of State meeting which is underway in Abuja is being attended by all former Nigerian leaders – Military and Civilian, but with the exception of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Chief Obasanjo’s absence at the crucial meeting might not be unconnected with his political differences with the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, who is also presiding over the meeting, also being attended by his Vice, Namadi Sambo, the country’s security Chiefs, including the police, DSS, Military and the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega.

Obasanjo has also vowed not to make public pronunciations until after this year’s general elections.

Also in attendance at the crucial meeting which is expected to deliberate on the possibility of holding coming general elections, side by side with the INEC level of preparation and security situation in the North Eastern part of the country, are: Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.); Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.); Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar; Alhaji Shehu Shagari and former interim head, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

On his own, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) led the opposition Governors who include: Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Abdulfatahi Ahmed (Kwara); Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara.

They arrived at the meeting around 11. 30 am with the Borno State Deputy Governor.

The ruling party Governor in attendance included: Godswill Akapabio (Akwa Ibom); Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Muktar Ramlan Yero (Kaduna); Liyel Imoke (Cross Rivers); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Captain Idris Wada (Kogi); Seriake Henry Dickson (Bayelsa); James Bala Ngilari (Adamawa); Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); Ibrahim Hassan Dakwanbo (Gombe) and Mallam Yisa Yuguda of Bauchi State.

Ondo, Taraba, Delta, Enugu, Ekiti, Plateau, Jigawa, State Governors are also partaking in the meeting, also being attended by the Senate President, David Mark, Speaker, Rt. Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke and FCT Minister Bala Mohammed.

Professor Jega and the security Chiefs are expected to brief the Council on the level of their preparedness for the election which about a week away.