Obasanjo meets Jonathan over insecurity

Barely three days after former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised and flayed President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government over Ebola virus’ containment and downturn in the country’s economy, respectively, the former president, in the early hours of Wednesday, met the president over what he described as “discussion on the country’s security issues.”

President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo met at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to discuss issues bordering on insurgency and the nation’s security after the ex-president had spoken ill of the current administration in the area of economic management when he compared Jonathan’s presidency to the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha.

Obasanjo while confirming to newsmen the meeting with President Jonathan in Abeokuta on Wednesday shortly after arriving from Abuja, said the meeting was purely on security issues as he declared, “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 former president, who appreciated the invitation of Jonathan, especially as it bordered on the insurgency in the North East, pledged that he would not hesitate to make himself available on national issues in the interest of peace and progress of the country.

Also commenting on the crisis between the Eggon and Fulani people of Nassarawa State, Obasanjo urged the government of Benue and Nassarawa to ensure that peace and normalcy are restored to the warring communities, saying the two, Eggon (who are farmers) and the Fulani (who are herders), must understand each other over their differences.

“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,” Obasanjo said.