President Bola Tinubu GCFR presided over the most recent National Council of State (NCS) meeting on October 9 last year, the second since he assumed office in May 2023. The NCS, a constitutional body that advises the president on key national matters, includes former heads of state, current service chiefs, state governors, and former chief justices. Its responsibilities include advising on the appointment of members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Judicial Council, and the National Population Commission, as well as on issues of public order and the prerogative of mercy. The council was originally established by General Murtala Muhammed on July 30, 1975, following the removal of General Yakubu Gowon GCFR. Current members include former presidents Goodluck Jonathan GCFR, Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, and retired generals Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida GCFR, Abdul-salami Abubakar GCFR, and Yakubu Gowon GCFR.
The call for political dialogue as a solution to Nigeria's insecurity challenges has been linked to the need for engagement beyond military action. It is argued that if kidnapping, insurgency, and other security issues are politically motivated, then dialogue—not force—should be the primary response. This effort, however, must be led by the government, particularly the president. The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), inaugurated on September 29, 1999 by President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, has been supported by successive administrations including those of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua GCFR and Goodluck Jonathan GCFR. NIREC was co-chaired initially by Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, CFR, and Dr. John Onaiyekan. The National Peace Committee (NPC), established in 2014 ahead of the 2015 elections, is a non-governmental initiative led by elder statesmen including former Head of State Abubakar (rtd) GCFR as chairman and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd) as vice chairman. The NPC includes figures such as Sultan Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, and Aliko Dangote. Membership was expanded in March 2019 to include more women and youth.
The push for political dialogue to resolve insecurity gains little traction when the National Council of State meets just twice in over a year despite its mandate on public order. President Tinubu leads a council meant to unify national leadership, yet its infrequent sessions contradict the urgency required for peacebuilding. The continued reliance on symbolic bodies without consistent action undermines their stated purpose.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
