President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a closed-door meeting with the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
While the official agenda has not been disclosed, sources suggest that the discussions may revolve around the planned nationwide protest slated to begin on August 1st.
The PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, is leading the delegation of governors. Also present are the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, alongside other notable governors including the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu; Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu; Benue State Governor, Fr Hycinth Alia; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.
In addition to the governors, key officials such as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Ministers of Finance and Budget & Economic Planning, Wale Edun and Abubakar Bagudu, respectively, were spotted arriving at the President’s office.
The ongoing meeting follows an earlier session of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held on Wednesday evening and comes in the wake of the cancellation of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which was originally scheduled for Thursday noon.
Speculated Agenda
Though the specific details of the discussion remain undisclosed, insiders believe the primary focus is likely the imminent nationwide protest against economic hardships.
The protest, which is set to commence on August 1st, has raised significant concerns about potential disruptions and the need for coordinated responses from the federal and state governments.
High-Profile Attendance
The presence of top government officials and security chiefs at the meeting underscores the gravity of the situation.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s involvement suggests a focus on ensuring that the protests do not devolve into violence or unrest.
Similarly, the attendance of Finance Minister Wale Edun and Budget & Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Bagudu highlights the economic dimensions of the discussions.
Context and Background
The meeting comes at a critical juncture as the nation grapples with economic challenges and rising public discontent.
The planned protest is seen as a significant expression of the public’s frustration with the current economic conditions, and the government is keen to address these grievances while maintaining order.
