President Tinubu Cracks Down on Unauthorized Access to FEC Meetings, Including His Son Seyi

President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action to maintain the sanctity of Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, ordering heightened security measures to prevent unauthorized access, notably singling out his son, Seyi Tinubu, in an attempt to thwart unwarranted intrusions.

During a recent FEC meeting, President Tinubu expressed his concern about unauthorized individuals freely entering and exiting the highly classified gatherings, which convene weekly to deliberate on the nation’s most pressing matters. He made it explicitly clear that such disruptions must cease immediately.

In his address to the FEC, President Tinubu asserted, “Last week, I noticed the undue access of people sneaking in and out of this council. I saw the photograph of my son, Seyi, sitting behind the cubicle there. That is not acceptable.”

Consequently, the President has issued a list of individuals who are authorized to participate in future FEC meetings. This exclusive group includes Hadiza Usman, adviser on policy; Bayo Onanuga, information adviser; Hakeem Muri-Okunola, principal secretary; and Damilotun Aderemi, private secretary. President Tinubu emphasized that these individuals are granted exceptional access during the critical business of the nation.

President Tinubu also cautioned, “Unless I sent for you, don’t come.” He directed the Cabinet Secretary, George Akume, to ensure strict adherence to this directive, stating, “Unless your staff that are included, no one is privileged to have access sitting in this (Council Chambers), except those four that I’ve announced to you.”

This move is expected to curtail the overbearing influence and perceived access that Seyi Tinubu has been projecting to the public. Despite not holding an official position in the administration, Seyi has been frequently seen traveling on the President’s private jet and has been credited with influencing government policies. Notably, Seyi Tinubu’s use of a presidential jet for a recent trip to Kano sparked controversy within the State House.

As of now, Seyi Tinubu has not provided any comments regarding his father’s decision. Statutorily, only a select group is permitted to attend FEC meetings, including the Vice President, all ministers, the Cabinet Secretary, the Head of Service, the National Security Adviser, and the President’s Special Adviser on Media.