Fighting in public, meeting in private - OBJ and GEJ meet jaw-to-jaw in Abuja
Days after launching a tirade against the incumbent President, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has met with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. During the meeting, both men discussed sundry issues, including the nation’s security challenges.
Obasanjo had, over the weekend, compared the economy under Jonathan to what obtained during the reign of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, in which he said the middle class was wiped out.
However, speaking wiht journalists in Abeokuta after returning from Abuja, Obasanjo said the meeting with the President was purely on security matters.
“Yes, I can confirm that I met with Mr. President on his invitation,” he said. “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 said he would continue to make himself available on national issues in the interest of peace and progress of the country.
On the Eggon/Fulani crisis in Nasarawa state, Obasanjo called on Benue and Nasarawa governments to
ensure that peace was restored to the warring communities.
He pointed out that the two tribes, Eggon (who are farmers) and the Fulani who are herdsmen, must understand themselves and settle their differences.
He said, “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 cattles to feed. So, the government should fashion out peaceful means to end the crisis.”
