Soludo, Rewane make Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council; President decries attack on Saudi oil refinery plants
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigeria stands in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following drone attacks Sunday on the refinery plants at Khurais and Abqaiq.
“We in Nigeria once experienced attacks on our own oil facilities. Those who sought, by doing so, to undermine governments of the day did not succeed then – nor at any time,” a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), quoted the President as saying.
“The identities of those who sent the drones to attack the Saudi refineries, and from where, may not yet be known. Still, these attacks similarly represent economic warfare aimed at damaging a government, but, in reality, always and only damaging innocent citizens’ livelihoods: those with no place, nor cause, to be harmed,” the President said further.
“The attackers of Saudi Arabia will win no friends in the international community for their actions – whoever they may be, and however certain they be in their cause,” the Nigerian leader added.
Meanwhile, President Buhari, according to a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) has constituted an Economic Advisory Council (EAC) made up of the following:
- Prof. Doyin Salami – Chairman
- Dr. Mohammed Sagagi – Vice-Chairman
- Prof. Ode Ojowu – Member
- Dr. Shehu Yahaya – Member
- Dr. Iyabo Masha – Member
- Prof. Chukwuma Soludo – Member
- Mr. Bismark Rewane – Member
- Dr. Mohammed Adaya Salisu – Secretary (Senior Special Assistant to the President, Development Policy)
This Advisory Council, the statement said, will replace the current Economic Management Team (EMT) and will be reporting directly to the President.
“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.”
