By; SUNDAY ODE, Abuja.
The National Council of State (NCS) on Wednesday gave a tacit approval to the various economic policies introduced by the Mohammadu Buhari administration to tackle the current economic recession in the country.
The council also confirmed the appointment of Ibrahim Idris Kpotum as the substantive Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi and his Jigawa counterpart, Abubakar Badaru briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting presided over by Buhari at the council chamber of the Presidential Villa.
Some of the economic measures introduced by the present administration include flexible foreign excahnge policy, agricutture and solid mineral sectors development and job creation initiatives.
The diversification of the economy away from crude oil as a major foreign exchange earner is expected to guarantee future economic stability regardless of the price of oil at the international market.
Ambode said: “The council was also briefed on the state of the economy. The Minister of State from the Ministry of Budget and National Planning actually made a presentation to council on the ways and manner in which the Federal Government is approaching the way to rescue the recession path that we are going through.
“Council was confident and also approved the measures the federal government is putting in ensuring that Nigeria goes on the path of recovery as quickly as possible.”
Giving further details, the Lagos governor added that “Details were given. Suggestions were made by council members. It was also resolved that those suggestions be imputed to whatever it is that the Federal Government is doing in order for us to fast track our recovery.”
On the IGP, Governor Badaru disclosed that council members were unanimous on his confirmation.
He said: “We deliberated on the confirmation of the Inspector General of Police, IGP. There was almost unanimous acceptance of his confirmation. So, the Police Council do resolve to confirm the Acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.”
On exepectations of the council from the IGP, Badaru said “most of the comments received proved to us that the IGP is of impeccable character and we expect him to conduct himself as such. We believe he is very honest and transparent.
“We also believe he will continue to be honest and do his best for the country.”
Governor Ambode, however clarified further: “It is important to recall that beyond the Police Council resolution today, he has to be presented to the Senate specifically for confirmation.”
NCS also approved the appointment of six national commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and five for the National Population Commission (NPC).
Of the 12 national commissioners stipulated by law for INEC, six were appointed in October last year, one each from the six geo-political zones.
The INEC commissioner nominees are Mohammed Haruna (North Central); AVM Ahmed Tijani Mu’Azu rtd (North East); Abubakar Nahuca (North West); Professor Okechukwu Ibanu (South East); May Agbamuche Mbu (South South) and Dr. Adekunle Ladipo Ogumola ( South West).
Those for NPC are Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji (Oyo); Barr. Patricia Iyaya (Benue); Egr. Benedict Ukpong (Akwa Ibom); Dr. Halu Bala (Kebbi); and Gloria Isofo (Bayelsa).
