Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared his readiness to work with President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure an immediate end to the current security challenges facing the country.
He had met with President Jonathan in the early hours of yesterday in the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting centered on the state of the nation, especially security challenges in some northern states.
Chief Obasanjo, who returned to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital after the parley, told journalists that his visit was at the instance of an invitation extended to him by President Jonathan.
The meeting came a few days after Obasanjo took a swipe at Jonathan administration’s handling of the economy, drawing a parallel between it and that of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
Obasanjo explained that the meeting was purely on security matters and at the instance of President Jonathan.
He said that President Jonathan had offered to come to Abeokuta for the meeting but for the respect he has for the President, he had to reschedule it for the seat of power in Abuja.
He said: “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 for the Office of the President, I had to go. We had discussion on the country’s security issues and that is all.”
Obasanjo, who appreciated President Jonathan for the invitation, promised to always make himself available to him on national issues in the interest of peace and progress of the country.
It will be recalled that the former President whose relationship with the Jonathan has been sour in the recent times, had two months ago said he had links with Boko Haram, the group responsible for the security challenges in the nation alleging that he was yet to receive a green light from the President.
This statement credited to Obasanjo angered top presidency officials querying the sincerity of the former president despite having unfettered access to President Jonathan.
Also, speaking on the crises between Eggon and Fulani crisis in North-Central state of Nasarawa, Obasanjo called on the government of the neighboring Benue and Nasarawa states to ensure that peace is restored to the warring communities.
He said the two: Eggon (who are farmers) and the Fulani, who are herders, must understand themselves over the differences and come up with amicable solution that will be acceptable to the two parties.
“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 cattlemen will also want their cattle to feed. So, the government should fashion out peaceful means to end the crisis,” Obasanjo said.
Source: Nigerian Pilot
