President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not convened a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting for 44 days since the inaugural cabinet session on August 28, raising concerns about the potential impact on governance. The FEC, a crucial advisory body chaired by the president, plays a vital role in advising on key matters.
Despite the absence of FEC meetings, President Tinubu continues to receive briefings from ministers and heads of agencies. This has led to questions regarding the delay in holding these meetings, with a top presidency source suggesting that a ministerial retreat, aimed at internalizing mandates and targets, is the reason behind the pause.
The delay has also affected the inauguration of three recently confirmed ministers by the Senate – Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, and Ayodele Olawande – who are expected to be sworn in at the next cabinet meeting.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, defended the delay, stating that President Tinubu has a different perspective on the FEC’s functions. Abdulaziz emphasized that governance is not halted by the absence of FEC meetings, pointing out that the president focuses on policy advisory and supervision functions rather than the traditional weekly contract award announcements.
While some experts criticize the lack of FEC meetings, Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director of Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), calls for the government to convene the meetings to address socio-economic challenges. Dr Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), suggests that citizens should pressure the government for good governance.
Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre (PAACA) and chairman of Partners for Electoral Reforms (PER), advocates for intentional efforts to confront socio-economic challenges, emphasizing the need to move beyond symbolic gestures.
As concerns about the delay in FEC meetings grow, observers and activists urge the government to address pressing issues facing the nation and uphold democratic processes. The hiatus in FEC sessions highlights the importance of regular cabinet meetings in addressing governance challenges and renewing public confidence.
