Appoint Only Qualified Judges To Supreme, Appeal Court Benches, Tinubu Charges NJC
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to rely on qualified, experienced and diligent private legal practitioners in both the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court appointments. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the All-Nigerian Judges Conference of the Superior Courts, held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), in Abuja, the president held that the move will strengthen the nation’s judiciary. Tinubu expressed that the judiciary had over the years, performed excellently to creditably retain the status of the last hope of the common man, adding that his administration was determined to improve the welfare of judicial officers in the country. Tinubu was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. He said: “While the Nigerian judiciary is not immune from certain challenges, it has, however, surmounted these limitations to creditably retain the status of both the last hope of the common man and the bastion of rule of law and democracy. “The Nigerian judiciary has indeed evolved from the colonial days, through the rich history of contemporary worthy status today. While there may be misgivings here and there, we cannot begin to imagine what our country would have been subjected to if there was no judiciary. “Through a gamut of landmark judgments, the judiciary has continued to maintain the cause of the rule of law in Nigeria and strengthens our democratic processes and institutions. “I wish to observe that in the cause of demonstrating this commitment to the advancement of the rule of law and democracy, especially in political and electoral cases, the judiciary has come under myopic criticism and attacks. Concluding, he reiterated his confidence in the accomplishment of the judiciary in the cause of nation-building, both locally and on the global scene.
Fitch Applauds Tinubu’s Reforms, Affirms Stable Credit Ratings
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Nigeria’s long-term foreign currency credit default outlook at B, citing recent policies by President Tinubu as responsible for the stable outlook. It also raised concerns over the proposed $10 billion forex loan which the government plans to use to offset forex backlogs and inject liquidity into the system. This is from its latest rating outlook commentary on the Nigerian economy. The global credit ratings agency noted that reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and the new exchange rate framework were responsible for the stable outlook. On the strengths and weaknesses of the Nigeria economy, the agency noted “Nigeria’s ‘B-‘rating is supported by a large economy, a developed and liquid domestic debt market, and large oil and gas reserves. The rating is constrained by weak governance, structurally very low non-oil revenue, high hydrocarbon dependence, security challenges, high inflation, low net FX reserves, and ongoing weakness in the exchange-rate framework.” Fitch raised concerns about the recent government announcement to secure $10 billion in foreign exchange, highlighting the absence of specific information, such as whether this amount encompasses World Bank budget support loans totaling $1.5 billion. It stated, “we forecast a broadly flat current account surplus, averaging 0.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023-2024. There is a lack of detail on a recent government announcement to raise $10 billion of forex, including whether this includes World Bank budget support loans of $1.5 billion. Following the sharp depreciation this year, Fitch assumes exchange-rate adjustments proceed more gradually in subsequent years.” However, it said signs of backtracking on reforms such as “a lower degree of price discovery in the foreign exchange (forex) market than in late June” and recent revelation from the nation’s apex bank which suggests that foreign reserve is significantly lower than publicly acknowledged. The agency also noted that the country’s public debt, excluding Central Bank of Nigeria loans, has a relatively extended average maturity of 9.7 years. Beyond that, the agency said the scarcity of foreign exchange is hindering economic activities in the country and impeding the flow of foreign capital and the CBN’s net foreign exchange position is lower than understood according to its financial statement published in August. Going further, the agency explained that Nigeria’s growth in 2024 will be spurred by an increase in crude oil production, a reduction in budget deficit freeing resources for capital expenditure, non-oil revenue growth, etc. But it highlighted Nigeria’s macro-economic challenges to include; high inflation which it projects to drop to 21.1% in 2024, and a high interest rate.
Analysing Tinubu’s $1trn GDP Growth In 3 Years
Encumbered by the biting economic reality that have taken a heavy toll on the welfare of Nigerians, and particularly, the untamed freefalling of the Naira immediately after reunification of the exchange rate by the government, President Bola Tinubu is targeting a $1trn gross domestic product (GDP) within the next three years. He is targeting this objective with his ongoing economic reforms aimed at repositioning the economy. The President at the inauguration of his cabinet had unveiled an-8 point economic agenda with priorities on food security, economic growth, job creation, access to capital – importantly, consumer credit; improved security, provision of enabling playing field for people and companies who operate in the economy, rule of law, and fight against corruption. He also promised an all-embracing inclusiveness, focusing particularly on youths and women. He also promised a new Central Bank of Nigeria that will be thoroughly professional, a catalyst for growth, and a stickler to its constitutional mandate, maintaining price and financial system stability away from the muddled interlope of fiscal responsibilities. Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, the CBN Governor, affirmed this during his submission at the National Assembly. He told the legislators that efforts were ongoing to refocus the economy and the Central Bank of Nigeria for an overall economic rebirth. He said the federal government has fashioned fiscal reforms and growth targets that would make the feat attainable within the next three years, an ambitious plan that hopes to catapult the economy from its current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $450. He said a study of emerging markets’ macro-economic indices which particularly noted Nigeria’s economic trajectory, given faithful implementation of the ongoing economic reforms attest to it. With its youthful population and natural resources, aptly captured by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani in his 31- page document said, “in a world where digital transformation and innovation is fast becoming a catalyst for economic progress, we are at a critical moment as a nation in our journey towards a more inclusive, and prosperous future. The intersection of a strong digital economy and our innovative and youthful population presents us with a unique opportunity to chart a course towards prosperity, inclusion, and global relevance”. Other growth facilitating ministries and agencies like the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, Science, Innovation and Technology, Labour and Employment, Gas Resources, Foreign Affairs, Marine and Blue Economy, Power, Justice, and Tourism should also come out with employment and wealth enhancing/generating policies to make this objective a reality. While agencies like Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Corporate Affairs Commission, Bank of Agriculture, and Bank of Industries to mention few should live up to their fiscal responsibility mandates to facilitate this task. It is doable. In achieving the objective, may be, was the creation and renaming of some ministries and agencies, including appointments of new helmsmen to pilot the affairs of some revenue generating agencies such as FIRS, CAC, and the Taiwo Oyedele Tax Reform Committee. The actions were pointers to achieving this objective. Cardoso had explained that the projection is achievable if the study of the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) and Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey (MINT) countries with similar populations and developmental characteristics is anything to go by. He continued, “Given this scenario, a refocused CBN, (sticking to its mandate) will better serve Nigeria through monetary policy interventions and advisory roles that will sustain the implementation of the administration’s fiscal proposals”. However, to achieve these laudable objectives the CBN Governor said the lines between monetary policy and fiscal intervention must be clearly delineated. He noted that, “much had been said of past CBN’s foray into development financing, such that the lines between monetary policy and fiscal intervention were blurred”. Therefore, in refocusing the CBN to its core mandate, there is a need to pull it back to mere advisory role that supports economic growth. The Bank, he promised, will now act as a catalyst in the propagation of specialized institutions and financial products that support emerging sectors of the economy. “ It should facilitate new regulatory frameworks to unlock dormant capital in land and property holdings,’’ he said. He listed other roles the CBN under his watch would be – accelerating access to consumer credit and expansion of financial inclusion for the masses, de-risking instrumentation to increase private sector investment in housing, textiles and clothing, food supply chain, healthcare, and educational supplies. Cardoso said he would exercise the convening power of the CBN to bring key multilateral and international stakeholders together to participate in government and private sector initiatives. The Governor however admitted that despite this envisioned task, the CBN does not possess the magic wand to be waved at Nigeria’s current economic realities as the problems facing the Bank are enormous and complex, but the Bank under his watch will do all that is necessary to turn around the fortunes of the Bank and the Nigeria economy in general. *Chisom Adindu writes from Umuahia, Abia State
Tinubu, Now That You’ve Your Full Mandate, What Are You Going To Do With It?
The suffering in the land is approaching Armagedonian dimensions, yet legislators are distributing newly minted posh SUVs for their personal use. Governors are enjoying their jumbo retirement packages. Many of them are double dipping by collecting second salaries as ministers and senators. The way official vehicle acquisition is done in societies that value transparency, probity and prudence is to purchase fleet of vehicles into a pool from which officials including legislators could request service. We all know what happens during change of government, officials almost always cart away official vehicles and government properties. Ours is an insane asylum where decency, decorum and normality have been turned upside down. The insensitivity of Nigerians in position of authority is repugnant, disgusting and appalling. Yes, the Nigerian citizenry has docilely kept mute anesthesized by religion that preaches “suffer-suffer for world enjoy for heaven”. Yet behold the day of judgement and reckoning not in heaven but on the streets and neighbourhoods of Nigeria is at hand unless our politicians take quick action to pull the brake before our country descends into a state of anarchy pushed there by unbearable suffering and depravation. Now that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has his full mandate, he and his team had better go to work to turn the ship of state away from the iceberg it is heading towards. Financial palliative, and the few grains of rice per family will not do the job. Major structural realignment is needed. First on the dock is to reduce the crippling cost of governance. The insanity of retired governors collecting their pension while collecting salaries as ministers and senators needs to be put a stop to, even if only to send the signal that this government feels the pain of the longsuffering citizens. The insane jumbo emolument package for our legislators needs major review. Our civil service is beyond bloated. It needs massive purge. Yes, it will cause short term pain, but government can ameliorate that pain with severance package. Go to any ministry in Abuja, it is like a day in Jankara market with civil servants milling around with no offices and contributing absolutely nothing to governance other than as leeches sucking the life out of our commonwealth. We need a pruner to cut down the size of the civil service at all level, to improve efficiency while reducing cost. Too many civil servants create clogs and corruption-ridden bureaucratic inertia to slow down the delivery of services so people are forced to pay bribe to get their constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizenship like driver license and international passports. Just like the banks and the private sector are moving toward digitalization of service, government needs to move in the same direction. Many of the services that are currently been stalled in human created bureaucratic lock-jam could be automated. Nigerians are now conversant with online banking. They can adapt to online access to government services. Our recurrent expenditure heavy budgeting is crippling our ability to make the necessary infrastructure investment to move our economy into the 21st century In order to stimulate industrial production in our country, the ministry of power should be absorbed under the presidency and declared as a national emergency and priority. The president must set as his top priority to achieve uninterrupted power supply by the end of his first term. If he achieves just that one feat, he would be leaving a legacy for which Nigerians will be eternally grateful. Our foreign exchange crisis, the devaluation of our currency and the pauperization of Nigerians are all tied to the de-industrialization of Nigeria related to its epileptic power supply and our economy becoming import dependent. With a population of 200 plus millions our economy could self sustain based on internal demand for locally manufactured good. Hence, the health of our economy, our currency valuation and our insatiable appetite for foreign currencies are all tied to our poor power generation and distribution: Fix that and our economy will take off like a super-charged rocket: The notion that Nigeria can go back to the immediate post-independence regional constitution of the 1960s is a pipe dream. There is too much over-romanticism of the glorious 1960s which lasted only six years before the military struck. What was our population at that time? How many secondary schools and universities did we have as a country? What percent of our citizens were admitted to the few secondary and tertiary institutions even in the southwest where free education was a policy? What was our national GDP in 1966? This urban myth of Nigeria, especially the West, as a rich global economy at par with South Korea has gone on way too far for too long. It’s about time we debunked it. As children, many of us lined up outside the few homes who owned televisions. Only the smartest of the smartest gained admission into the very few secondary schools that existed in the West. After primary school, many of my classmates could not proceed to secondary school because they couldn’t gain admission under the stringent admission policies including entrance exams and interviews. Many parents had to buy ‘tolotolo’ (turkey) to secure admission for their children. The ginny of state creation is out of the box and can never be put back. Oyo and Osun state could not jointly manage Ladoke Akintola University. So, this notion that we could collapse the existing 36 states into their old regional structures is a fallacy, and an unattainable pie in the sky. Yes, Chief Awolowo remains the best president Nigeria never had. President Tinubu has a once in a lifetime opportunity to change that narrative. But this notion of the old western region was a harmonious Eldorado of sub-ethnic equity in the distribution of government benefits and industrial parks is another mythology we have perpetuated for too long. The Ijeshas and the Ekitis whose cocoa and the Edos whose oil palm bankrolled the region’s economy did not benefit from the region’s industrial policy. None of the major Oodua Investment benefits accrued to the Ijeshas and Ekiti. When people
Tinubu Celebrates Supreme Court Verdict, Vows To Rebuild Greater Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his gratitude over the Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed his election on February 25, whilst reiterating his commitment to building a stronger, united, and more prosperous Nigeria. Tinubu welcomed the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on Thursday, which upheld the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. The candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party had filed petitions challenging the tribunal’s decision. “The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favor,” President Tinubu stated. The President praised the diligence and professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter, affirming that the verdict solidified Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy. The President’s faith in Nigeria’s judiciary remained unwavering, despite pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors. He lauded the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending humanity. The ruling affirmed that President Tinubu’s party, the All Progressives’ Congress, had secured the popular mandate of Nigerians, paving the way for his leadership during a transformative period in the nation’s history. Tinubu further underscored his commitment to serving all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, tribes, or faiths. The President’s renewed his Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria, saying that it has gained momentum, and pledged to work tirelessly to meet the collective aspirations of the citizens. “We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together,” he affirmed. President Tinubu urged Nigerians to unite in their diversity and direct their energy toward building a stronger and more prosperous nation. He expressed his hope that the spirit of patriotism would inspire support for his administration’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the people. Tinubu concluded by extending his gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve the country, promising to exceed their expectations in service delivery and good governance. He concluded with a prayer for the continued blessings of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The President’s statement reflects his determination to lead Nigeria into a future marked by unity, progress, and prosperity, as the country continues on its path of transformation and growth. SEE FULL STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR IT IS TIME FOR US TO BUILD OUR GREAT NATION TOGETHER I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour. There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter. While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times. Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity. It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives’ Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation. With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people. The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens. Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations. We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country. In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress. I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Tinubu Orders Speedy Implementation Of Tax Reforms Report
President Bola Tinubu has instructed his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman, to work with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to coordinate the recommendations of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee for swift implementation across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. This directive was issued during a meeting with the Chairman of the reforms committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who presented a 30-day report on “quick wins” at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed that President Tinubu met with Mr. Zack Adedeji, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the tax policy review committee. The President emphasized the need for effective synergy in implementing tax policy recommendations across government institutions. President Tinubu has also prioritized the recommendations of the tax policy review committee at the next Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled for Monday, October 30, 2023. The aim is to expand the tax net, reach the 18% tax-to-GDP threshold, and enhance public service provision without burdening vulnerable segments of the population. The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, established on July 7, 2023, is responsible for tax law reform, fiscal policy coordination, harmonization of taxes, and revenue administration. Its mission is to improve tax morale, promote a healthy tax culture, and encourage voluntary compliance with tax regulations by utilizing tax and other revenues effectively.
Supreme Court Dismisses APM’s Appeal Against Tinubu
The Supreme Court, Monday, dismissed an appeal by the Allied People’s Movement (APM)seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. APM had asked the Supreme Court to hold that the Court of Appeal misconceived the material facts before it, when it struck out its undefended petition against Tinubu’s victory. It prayed the court to hold that the withdrawal of Kabiru Masari from the race by operation of law amounted to automatic withdrawal and invalidation of the candidate of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress in the February 25, presidential election. In its brief of arguments, APM, through its counsel Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), that the Court of Appeal wrongly and peremptorily struck out the petition. It therefore prayed the apex court to set aside the decision of the lower court. APM also said the striking out of Kabiru Masari’s name from its petition and consequent dismissal of the petition on 6th September 2023, was in error, as Masari was a necessary party to the dispute. The Court of Appeal had dismissed APM’s petition based on pre hearing motions filed by INEC, APC and Shettima but only INEC tendered a document during the hearing while APC, Tinubu and Shettima and INEC did not call any witness. According to APM, “the grounds upon which it’s petition was predicated is that the 3rd respondent (Tinubu) was at the time of the election (February 25 2023) not qualified to contest the election in line with Section 134(1)(a) of the electoral Act, 2022. The party said it clearly stated in its paragraph 16 and 17 of the petition that it was against 3rd and 4th respondents (Tinubu and Shettima) respectively and grounded on the provisions of Section 131 and 142 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 35 of the Electoral Act,2022. The APM lawyer said the Court of Appeal misconceived the material facts and case of the appellant and wrongly progressed to determine issues not contemplated by the appellant’s petition and erroneously dismissed the petition. Hearing the appeal on Monday, effort by Machukwu Ume, to move the appeal was rejected by the panel, as doing so would amount to wasting of the precious time of the court. The presiding Justice, Inyang Okoro had insisted that the appeal be withdrawn since the issue had been decided. “We have read your appeal and issues raised. “You are not asking us to make your candidate the President if the your appeal succeeds. “You just want to state the law and go home, without benefit. We have other appeals that are substantial and withdrawing this appeal will help reduce the workload on us. “We have read the appeal and are unanimous that it’s a none issue, having been pronounced upon by this court” Justice Inyang Okoro said. Left with no option, the APM counsel hesitantly accepted withdrawal of the appeal. All the Respondents did not oppose the withdrawal and did not ask for cost. Accordingly, the panel dismissed the APM appeal, same having been withdrawn.
APM Withdraws Appeal Challenging Tinubu’s Victory At Supreme Court
The Allied Peoples Movement, (APM) Monday, withdrawn the appeal instituted at the Supreme Court to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s election victory. In the appeal, the party is contesting that Tinubu’s running mate and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was nominated twice for different positions by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in relation to the 2023 general elections. APM had in its 10-ground of appeal, maintained its position that Tinubu was not eligible to participate in the presidential poll that held on February 25. However, at the hearing, Counsel to the party Mr. Chukwuma Machukwu Ume, SAN, withdrew the matter shortly after it was called up for hearing. A seven-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, berated the party for filing an appeal the appeal for trying to over labour the court. According to the panel, APM appeal is a total waste of time and amount to an academic exercise since the party only wanted the apex court to “state the law.” “If we are idle, then maybe we will state the law. If there is nothing for you to gain from an appeal, you don’t just come to court for interpretation. “If for instance that you win a case, there must be something to be gained from the victory. We have read your appeal, there is absolutely nothing in it. You are not asking for your candidate to declared winner or anything of such, all you want is for the President to be removed. “If we remove the President, then what next? There are two other appeals here that are asking for something substantial,” Justice Okoro held. Also reacting to the appeal, Justice Emmanuel Agim, noted that issues the APM raised in its appeal, was previously decided by the Supreme Court. “We are not bound to hear every appeal. What you are asking us is to overrule ourselves. Did you not read our decision on the issue of double nomination.” Consequently, Ume, SAN, withdrew the appeal and it was accordingly struck out.
Tinubu Appoints New BOI CEO, Olasupo Olusi
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Olasupo Olusi as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI) for a term of four years in the first instance. The appointment was announced in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja. The statement said the appointment of Olusi followed the voluntary resignation of the former BOI Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olukayode Pitan. “Olusi has served as a World Bank economist and development finance expert over the past 20 years. “Between 2011 and 2015, Olusi served as the economic adviser to then Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance. “He is an alumnus of Hull University, United Kingdom,” said the statement. Olusi also obtained a Masters degree in International Money, Finance, and Investment, as well as a Doctorate in Finance & Economics from Durham University, United Kingdom, in 2005. The President tasked the new BOI Chief Executive to ensure that Nigerians operating all sizes of enterprises across sectors were given fair and equitable access to much needed support. He said this would bolster employment generation and wealth creation among income groups in the country with special regard for lower and middle income enterprise operators.
Economy, Social Issues Top Agenda As Tinubu Presides Over 2nd FEC Meeting
The Federal Executive Council meeting is scheduled for today, Monday. Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced this to State House Correspondents. President Bola Tinubu will chair the meeting, with the attendance of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, and various Ministers. Other high-ranking government officials, such as the Head of Service of the Federation and Special Advisers, will also be present. Ngelale highlighted that this second edition of the meeting during this administration will address matters related to the president’s approvals concerning economic and social issues. The inaugural meeting took place in August, where new ministers received their initial briefings on their roles and responsibilities in the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is a constitutional institution where government policies are deliberated and endorsed by Ministers. The President serves as the Chairman, while the Vice President serves as the Vice Chairman.