IBB, Jonathan, Shagari, Shonekan missing as Buhari holds council of state meeting

Nigeria’s former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB); first civilian president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari; former President, Goodluck Jonathan and head of interim national government, Chief Ernest Shonekan stayed away from the council of state meeting held Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

The meeting, which is the third President Buhari is holding since he assumed office in 2015, centred on the country’s growing security challenges and other key national issues, including appointment of National Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Thursday’s meeting which was at the instance Buhari and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, however had in attendance, former heads of state General Yakubu Gawon, Abdulsalami Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Also in attendance were four former Chief Justices of Nigeria: Muhammad Uwais; Idris Kutigi; Mariam Alooma and Justice Alfa Belgore, as well as Senate President Bukola Saraki and state governors.

It was however, opposition governor, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, a fierce critic of President Buhari, who stole the show before the meeting commenced as he met face-to-face and had a warm handshake with the president adorned in Igbo attire.