Osinbajo Presides Over NEC Amidst Alleged Disquiet In Presidency

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday, presided over the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Vice President who is the chairman of the council, presided over the monthly meeting for the second time since President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn-in for a second tenure.

The NEC meeting deliberates on the coordination of the economic planning efforts and economic programmes of the various levels of government.

Members of NEC include the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Minister of Finance, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other government officials and agencies.

The meeting comes barely three days after Buhari dissolved the Osinbajo led Economic Advisory Council (EAC) and constituted a new team.

“This advisory council will replace the current Economic Management Team (EMT) and will be reporting directly to the President,” a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina read.

“The Economic Advisory Council (EAC) will advise the President on economic policy matters, including fiscal analysis, economic growth and a range of internal and global economic issues working with the relevant cabinet members and heads of monetary and fiscal agencies.

“The EAC will have monthly technical sessions as well as scheduled quarterly meetings with the President. The Chairman may, however, request for unscheduled meetings if the need arises,” the statement added.

According to reports, there was disquiet in the presidency after the development which followed an alleged crack between the Vice president and his principal.

It was also alleged that a memo from Buhari directed the Vice President to henceforth seek presidential approvals in the running of the agencies under his supervision.

Reports claim that the recent development is not unconnected to plans by the government to ‘muzzle’ Osinbajo ahead of the 2023 elections.

Osinbajo has however denied all claims stating that he has an effective and mutual relationship with the President.