OBJ, IBB, 2 other ex-leaders, Saraki, Dogara absent at Council of State meeting

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, presided over the National Council of State meeting in the presidential villa in Abuja. Some of the past leaders of the country were present.

However, some notable leaders were absent at the meeting. Prominent among absentees were Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and gen. Yakubu Gowon.  Among the attenders are also five past Chief Justices of the Federation, state governors and some of their deputies.

Also absent were Senate president, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

The topic of discussion at the meeting was not immediately made available, but it was reported that President Buhari was expected to brie the meeting on the nomination of Ibrahim Idris as acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Nigerian Police Council (NPC) is expected to ratify the appointment thereafter.

The Council of State is the highest constitutional advisory body in Nigeria. It is chaired by the leader of the nation. It is organ of the Nigerian government whose functions comprise advising the executive on policy making. This is the second meeting of the Council of State presided over by President Buhari. The first meeting of the council, under the incumbent administration, was held on October 21, 2015.