President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday visited the former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, Niger State.
The President was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki; his Chief of Staff, Gen. Jones Arogbofa; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed; former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and Senator Ahmadu Ali among other dignitaries.
He told journalists after the closed door meeting, that he was in Minna to pay homage to the former leader because he has not seen the former President since he returned from a medical trip abroad.
He said: “First and foremost, I have to use this opportunity to appreciate our leader, President Babangida for his leadership. His commitment to ensuring that this country is united and we leave in peace.”
“Of course, you know that this is the end of the year. Within this period, people pay visits. So I have come to visit him. You know he came back from a hospital abroad, not too long ago. Since then, we have not seen. I needed to see my father to know how he is feeling. I am quite pleased the way I have seen him.”
“Of course, you all know that as a nation, we are facing challenges; ecurity challenges all over, not just in the North. Yes, Boko Haram in the North but the South is not safe either as evident in commercial kidnapping and robbery.”
“He (Babangida) is one of our experienced leaders. As somebody who is sitting where he was before, I need to see them from time to time to listen to their suggestions. That is one of the areas how we can collectively move the country forward and ensure that Nigerians live in peace.”
“That is the key thing and I am quite pleased that we had a fruitful discussion.” Jonathan added.
On his part Gen. Babangida called for support of Nigerians towards assisting the President to keep Nigeria united.
“What I will say is simple: The President means well for this country and he is working well for this country. Anybody who means well for this country should support the President to make sure that Nigeria survives as a united country,” IBB said.(Daily Post)
