President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday had a meeting with the former head of state, Ibrahim Babangida in Minna behind closed doors.
After the meeting, Jonathan told journalists that he had come to show his appreciation for the support the ex head of state had given his administration and to discuss with him after his recent medical trip abroad.
President Jonathan also said the two discussed the different problems facing 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.
Babangida who emerged with President Jonathan urged Nigerians who loved the country to support Jonathan’s plans of keeping the country together.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Jonathan was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Muhammed, a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ahmadu Ali.
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