Jonathan Visits Obasanjo In Ibogun
President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday paid Chief Olusegun Obasanjo a visit at his Ibogun-Olaogun village in Ifo Local government area of Ogun State, during which a private meeting was held with observers suggesting that it was part of moves to reconcile warring key leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Jonathan, in company of former Minister of Special Duties, Saminu Turaki, and other close aides arrived at Obasanjo’s village in a chopper at 11.58 a.m.
Obasanjo took his guests on a tour of the village after which the duo went into a closed door meeting which lasted for almost two hours.
The visit may not be unconnected to unconfirmed reports of a reconciliation move between the two former Nigerian leaders, particularly in preparation towards the 2019 general elections.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Obasanjo charged leaders across the world to learn from the exemplary leadership style of himself and that of Jonathan.
Obasanjo emphasised that for the country to enjoy any meaningful development, Nigerians must remain united, stressing that Nigeria was not created by error neither by chance.
He urged all Nigerians, especially the leaders to continue work together for the success of the country, saying “Nigeria is a good country and we must never be tired of lifting the country up to the height that God has created it to be.”
His words, “God has created Nigeria to be great and God did not make a mistake when he put all of us together and if He doesn’t want us to be together no power in the world would have made us come together”.
Obasanjo also admonished Jonathan to contribute his own quota to the development of the country and African continent at large, saying “I believe that not only Nigeria but West Africa and Africa and indeed the world will continue to tap into our experiences, our wisdom and I hope and pray that when the call is made to you (Jonathan), you will be more than ready to put your experience, the lessons you have learnt into the service of this country, for African and indeed for humanity in general.”
“I have said to you (Jonathan) before and I will say again that there are plenty of opportunities out there, within the country, within West Africa, within African and indeed in the larger world where people will want you to make contributions.”
“I believe that you (Jonathan) are resting now and when you have fully rested you will be hearing from me because I have this opportunity to be around the world and if I mention your name in dispatch”
“Since you (Jonathan) left office, you hardly have time to sit down and relax like you have been able to do today and I hope, I sincerely hope and pray for more such relaxed situation where we can reminiscence situations of the past that we have been through in this country and we can also look at what the future portends”.
“When leaders come, they have little or no experience, when they have to go is when they have rarely amass a lot of experience, where they have wisdom, they are experienced to be in high demand, those like you and me who have the grace of God to bow out gracefully if there is no what I call constitutional office we have residual responsibilities for Nigeria”.
When asked for his comment about the meeting, Jonathan declined speaking to newsmen, saying it was a private visit.
In his comment, Turaki on behalf of Jonathan appreciated Obasanjo for extending his hand of fellowship to him and for his consistent guidance.
He also commended Obasanjo’s exemplary leadership that Nigeria has enjoyed so far.
