This week’s Federal Executive Council meeting has been postponed to an unspecified date.
Reports state that while some ministers were present, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume had not yet arrived.
Around 12:15 p.m., some ministers began packing their documents and leaving the chamber.
One minister, speaking anonymously to The PUNCH, stated that Monday’s meeting had been rescheduled to a date that will be announced soon.
“It is no longer holding today. But you know, the council meets on Mondays only when there are issues to discuss,” the minister said.
However, the cabinet member declined to give reasons for the postponement.
Nonetheless, Presidency sources who confided in our correspondent said the first notice of the meeting was disseminated on Sunday night but was postponed hours before noon.
However, some ministers did not receive the postponement notice on time.
“The ministers were not even supposed to come here because the meeting has been postponed. But it appears they got the notice very late.
“The meeting itself was impromptu because the notice came out last night,” said one source who asked to remain anonymous.
Another source who works closely with the President confirmed that President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with Service Chiefs at 2:00 pm to discuss the nationwide protests, among other matters.
“Yes, FEC was postponed, but there will be a security meeting at 2:00 pm,” the source said, glancing at a wristwatch.
Reports indicate that Nigerians, primarily youths, are regrouping nationwide for the fifth day of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
On Sunday, President Tinubu called for dialogue and an immediate end to the nationwide protests that have been ongoing since Thursday.
He assured the protesters that his administration is ready to listen to and address their concerns, stating that he has heard their calls “loud and clear.”
Despite this, protesters continue to demonstrate in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna.