Obasanjo meets Jonathan over security, others

Obasanjo himself confirmed to journalists in Abeokuta that the closed-door meeting was held at the Presidential Villa, and that it was at the behest of the president.The two leaders met in the wake of advances by Boko Haram militants who have been capturing territory in Borno and Yobe states in recent weeks. The meeting also […]

Obasanjo himself confirmed to journalists in Abeokuta that the closed-door meeting was held at the Presidential Villa, and that it was at the behest of the president.
The two leaders met in the wake of advances by Boko Haram militants who have been capturing territory in Borno and Yobe states in recent weeks. The meeting also came as Jonathan appears to be getting set to declare his intention to seek re-election in 2015. His main support group has been holding mass rallies around the country in which his key aides actively participate.
Obasanjo, while confirming the meeting with Jonathan shortly after arriving back in Abeokuta yesterday, said it was purely on security matters.
“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,” he said.
On the recent Eggon/Fulani crisis in Nasarawa State, Obasanjo called on the governments of Benue and Nasarawa states to ensure that peace is restored in the warring communities.
He said the two communities who are farmers and herders must understand themselves and learn to co-habit.
“(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.
The former president added that he appreciated the invitation by Jonathan and that he would continue to make his himself available on national issues in the interest of peace and progress of the country.
He did not speak on the Boko Haram crisis while briefing journalists on the Abuja meeting, but this is most likely to be at the fore-front of any discussion of security matters between him and Jonathan.
Obasanjo had said previously that he had ideas on how to contain the Boko Haram menace and also to rescue the abducted Chibok schoolgirls but that he needed the backing of President Jonathan, which was lacking.
The former president has been critical of Jonathan’s administration, with the most scathing attack being in the letter he wrote to the president in December in which he accused him of condoning corruption and maintaining an assassination squad. He also asked the president to keep his word not to seek re-election in 2015.
Jonathan denied the allegations in Obasanjo’s letter, and also said the former president’s obsession with 2015 was because he was trying to back a certain governor in the presidential race.
Four days ago, Obasanjo spoke on the state of the economy, saying the poverty situation under Jonathan’s regime is similar to what obtained during the administration of the late General Sani Abacha when the middle class was wiped out.