IBB urges Nigerians to support Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan Saturday visited former President Ibrahim Babangida in Minna in what the President said was to appreciate the former military President and consult with him after his recent medical trip abroad.

President Goodluck Jonathan with former president Ibrahim Babangida, 

during Jonathan’s visit to minna today, (27/12/14)

Gen. Babangida who emerged from the closed door meeting with Jonathan urged all Nigerians, who mean well for the country, to support the President.

In an interview with journalists after the closed door meeting, President Jonathan said 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 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” the president said.

Also speaking, the former head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida said the president means well for this country and every Nigerian who means well for the country should support him.

According to General Babangida, “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 President was accompanied on the tripthy the  National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.); his Chief of Staff, Gen. Jones Arogbofa (rtd.); Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed; former Governor Peter Obi and Senator Ahmadu Ali among others.