by Anike Jacobs
Contrary to reports that Former military President Ibrahim Babangida and Goodluck Jonathan met in Minna, Niger state on Saturday only to discuss the 2015 presidential poll, new reports suggest something more.
Tribune Newspaper reports that Gen. Babangida only raised issues on how to keep the nation united during and after the general elections.
The details of the meeting between Pres. Jonathan and Gen. Babangida were revealed in Abuja by one of the key aides of the former military leader.
“It is true that the President visited Gen. Babangida at his Minna Hilltop mansion but the nature of his message was based purely on unity of the country and not about 2015 presidential election.
“As a former president who fought for the unity of the country, he was of the view that the president needs support as President and not as presidential candidate per se.
“It is his view that the country needs to be united as one before we can begin to talk about election. Only a united Nigeria can guarantee credible election.”
“What Gen. IBB said should be viewed within the context of the larger Nigeria interest and not that of any parochial interest that is likely to unsettle the system.
“Those of them who fought in the civil war to keep the country one understand the dynamics and challenges facing us now in the face of grave insecurity and poor economic realities,” the aide who would rather remain anonymous revealed.
