Osinbajo Presides Over FEC Meeting

By Ahmed Rahma

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday, presided over the 40th virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House in Abuja.

Before the commencement of the day’s proceedings, which was attended by some members virtually, the council observed a minute silence for former Ministers.

Officially announcing the passage of the two former ministers to the council, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, recalled their various services to the country.

One of them was Mr Olabode Olowoporoku, who served as Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District at the Senate, was Minister of Science and Technology in the Second Republic. He died on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at the age of 76 years.

Another former deceased Minister, Mr Muhammad Baba, was, at separate times, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Minister of State for Defence. He died on Friday, March 26, 2021, at the age of 81 years.

Apart from Mr Mustapha, the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari was physically present at the meeting.

Eight Ministers, including Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed; Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, and Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi were also in attendance physically.

Others were the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Mohammed Bello; Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika; and Power, Mr Sale Mamman.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan, and other Ministers participated in the weekly cabinet meeting from their various offices in Abuja.

The meeting also had in attendance the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Babagana Monguno.

It was the first time since the virtual FEC meeting started in 2020 that President Muhammadu Buhari is not presiding.

On Tuesday, he departed Nigeria for London, the United Kingdom, for a medical check-up. He is expected back into the country in two weeks’ time.

However, according to one of his media aides, Mr Garba Shehu, the President did not transmit his presidential powers to his vice, Mr Osinbajo.