By Val Amanze
As the economy continues to falter and in what appears to be a major shift in the country’s economic management, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday changed the Economic Management Team created by his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, with a new Economic Advisory Council, and appointed Prof Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof Doyin Salami, Dr. Mohammed Sagagi and other notable personalities as members of the team.
In what also appears to be a vote of no confidence in the vice president’s ability to handle the economy, Buhari mandated the new team to report directly to him.
Special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, who made this known on Monday said the Economic Advisory Council will be chaired by Prof Doyin Salami, with Dr. Mohammed Sagagi, as the Vice-Chairman. Others include; Prof Ode Ojowu; Dr Shehu Yahaya; Dr Iyabo Masha; Prof Chukwuma Soludo; Mr Bismark Rewane; and Dr Mohammed Adaya Salisu (Secretary).
“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”, the statement said.
