Jonathan meets Obasanjo, security chiefs over insurgency

Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo

President Goodluck Jonathan and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday met in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa where the two discussed the nation’s security challenge.

Obasanjo confirmed the meeting to journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when he returned from Abuja.

“Yes, I can confirm that I met with Mr. President on his invitation. In fact, he had wanted to come down to Abeokuta, but as a sign of respect to the Office of the President, I had to go. We had discussion on the country’s security issues and that is all,” the ex-President said.

The visit came few days after the former President commended efforts of the Federal and Lagos State governments in checking the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease.

It also followed on the heels of weekend’s slamming of the Jonathan administration by Obasanjo, who likened the economy under the President’s watch to what obtained during the reign of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha.

Obasanjo, while briefing journalists in Abeokuta on his return from Abuja said the Wednesday’s meeting with the President was purely on security matters.

He said he would continue to make himself available on national issues in the interest of peace and progress of the country.

After the meeting between Jonathan and Obasanjo, the President met behind closed doors with security chiefs.

The service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, met with the President in the early hours of the day before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

It was however not clear whether the President’s meeting with the security chiefs was fallout of the meeting he had with Obasanjo.

None of those who attended spoke with journalists after the meeting, which ended at about the same time the Federal Executive Council meeting started.

On the recurrent Eggon/Fulani crisis in Nassarawa State, Obasanjo called on Benue and Nassarawa state governments to ensure that peace was restored to the warring communities.

“There is no way such will not happen, but the two state governments should come up with lasting solutions. The farmers would want their crops to be protected, while the cattle men will also want their cattle to feed. So, the government should fashion out peaceful means to end the crisis,” he said.