Former Chief Justices of Nigeria were among the early arrivals at the Council of State meeting holding today, Thursday, at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting, the second under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, drew key national figures, including past leaders, judicial chiefs, governors, and heads of critical institutions.
Physically present at the chambers were Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; four retired Chief Justices of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, Mahmud Mohammed, Alfa Belgore and Olukayode Ariwoola, as well as a majority of the state governors.
Also seated was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
President Tinubu arrived for the meeting at about 1:30 p.m. Shortly after, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), joined the session virtually.
The Council of State is constitutionally mandated to advise the President on matters of national importance, including electoral issues, population census, prerogative of mercy, and national security.
Following the recitation of the national anthem, the gathering moved into a closed-door session, with discussions expected to centre on pressing national issues such as security, economy, and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Council comprises the President, former Presidents and Heads of State, former and serving Chief Justices of Nigeria, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and governors of the 36 states