Don’t come to FEC meeting unless invited, Tinubu warns appointees

President Bola Tinubu has warned government officials and family members against attending the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting without invitation.

Tinubu issued the warning before the commencement of FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

“Last week, I noticed people sneaking in and out of this council. People had access to this place when they should not. That is not acceptable. I will announce to you here, people who are supposed to be here.

“Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Private Secretary and Damilotun Aderemi, Private Secretary.

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“These are the people who are granted the exception to be here when we are conducting the business of the nation. Unless I send for you, don’t come.”

The president directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Folashade Yemi-Esan, to take note of his directive.

“Unless they are your staff that are included, no one should have access to the FEC meeting, except I have announced their names to you.

“Let me also say that the planning of an event about the government must be well articulated and followed accurately,” he said.

Tinubu, however, expressed absolute confidence in the integrity of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila

“First of all, let me reiterate to all of you the fact that a lot of stories are going around about what is happening. I’ve told everyone in this country that I can make mistakes, they’re bound to air them out and correct them.

“Perfection is that of God Almighty. I have absolute confidence on the integrity of my Chief of Staff. All campaigns of calumny and insinuations should stop, the buck stops here.

“If I make mistake, I’m ready to own up to it and we’re all joining hands to fight corruption and we want to enforce the law along with you,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Council observed a minute of silence in honour of a former member of FEC and one-time Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Adamu Fika, who died last week at the age of 90 years.