President Jonathan visited former President Ibrahim Babangida at his residence in Minna, Niger state, earlier today and had the opportunity to rub minds with this great Nigerian patriot. "The President means well for this country, and is working well for this country. And anybody who means well for this country should support President Jonathan, to make Nigeria survive as a united country"
President Jonathan earlier today visited former Head of State General
Ibrahim Babangida at his home in Minna, Niger state. The purpose of the
President's visit is reportedly to seek Babangida's endorsement for his
re-election in 2015. More photos below....
Jonathan told journalists the meeting was to seek his input as a former leader on how to solve the myriads of problems confronting the country.
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 live 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 just came back from a hospital abroad, not too long ago. Since he came back, we have not seen. I need 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: security challenges all over, not just in the North. Yes, Boko Haram in the North. The South is not safe: Commercial kidnapping and robbery.
“He 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 where 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”.
Also speaking to journalists, Babangida said the President means well for this country and every Nigerian who means well for the country should support him.
“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”, the former leader said.
The President was accompanied on the trip by his Chief of Staff, Gen. Jones Arogbofa (rtd.); the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd); the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed; former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and Senator Ahmadu Ali, among others.
