Onanuga Downplays Ex-Leaders’ Absence at National Council of State Meeting: ‘It Doesn’t Really Matter

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has downplayed the significance of the absence of two former Nigerian leaders at the recent National Council of State meeting.

In an interview with TVC News, Onanuga asserted that the absence of these two ex-presidents did not detract from the importance or success of the meeting. “At least four out of the six living Presidents were there. If two were absent, it doesn’t really matter,” he remarked, emphasizing that the presence of the majority of former leaders ensured the meeting’s credibility and effectiveness.

Notable attendees included General Yakubu Gowon, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and former President Goodluck Jonathan, who participated either in person or virtually. Onanuga speculated that the absent leaders might have had prior commitments, stating, “I’m not sure whether they were in town. I think they were invited, but the other former leaders were present.”

While Onanuga acknowledged that the absence of the two leaders was “unfortunate,” he stressed that it was not unexpected and did not diminish the outcomes of the meeting. “Well, I think it’s unfortunate that two leaders were absent. As you know, for a President, it’s not really much of a surprise,” he noted.

He further highlighted that the majority of former leaders and governors were engaged in the meeting, either physically or virtually, ensuring that the discussions were robust and productive. “So, it doesn’t really matter whether two were missing,” Onanuga concluded, reiterating that the meeting’s objectives were successfully met despite the absences.