Council of State okays Buhari’s recession plans

•President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari’s measures to take the country out of recession have received the support of the Council of State.

After being briefed at yesterday’s meeting – the second to be called by Buhari since he assumed office on May 29, last year – members endorsed the measures after making some suggestions.

The meeting also ratified the appointment of Ibrahim Idris as Inspector General of Police (IGP), pending the Senate’s ratification.

The Police Council had on Wednesday confirmed Idris’ appointment.

Idris has been acting IGP since the retirement of Solomon Arase last June.

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Jigawa State Governor Badaru Abubakar briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting.

Ambode said: “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.

“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.”

Asked to speak on the specific measures approved by the council, Ambode said: “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.”

He said the meeting also approved six commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and five for the National Population Commission (NPC).

Ambode said: ”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).”

Badaru said the decision to conform the acting IG’s appointment was “almost unanimous” So, the Police Council resolved to confirm the Acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.”

On the Council’s expectation from the new IGP, he said: “Most of the comments received proved to us that the IGP is of impeccable character and we expect him to conduct himself as such.

“We believe he is very honest and transparent. We also believe he will continue to be honest and to do his best for the country.”