Why I visited IBB in Minna – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has explained why he visited ex-Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in Minna, Niger State, on Sunday.

Daily Trust had reported that Obasanjo, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, General Aliyu Gusau, visited Babangida at his Hill Top residence in Minna and held a closed door meeting.

Our correspondent in Minna gathered that Obasanjo arrived Minna International Airport in Golf Steam 5 Aircraft at about 4:30pm and drove straight to General Babangida’s residence where he joined Abdulsalami and Gusau.

A source familiar with the visit said the four elder statesmen held a closed door meeting that lasted for about an hour after which Obasanjo left Minna around 6:20pm.

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The source said the meeting might not be unconnected with pressing national issues that bordered on the current economic challenges.

“The meeting might not be unconnected with national issues especially the current hardship being faced by Nigerians. But I am not confirming to you what was discussed.”

“Obasanjo arrived Minna in company of 10 people and he drove straight to IBB’s residence. He was joined by General Abdulsalami Abubakar and General Aliyu Gusau. The former president came in a chattered aircraft and landed at Minna Airport”, he said.

However, Obasanjo in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday night, explained that he visited IBB to felicitate with him on his birthday.

IBB clocked 83 on August 17.

A statement signed by his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, explained that Obasanjo could not pay a visit to IBB last month “because of his busy schedules outside the country.”

The statement indicated that Obasanjo earlier on Sunday paid a similar visit to the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion in Benin, Edo state, to felicitate with him on his 90th birthday celebration.

“After the celebration in Benin, the former President proceeded to Minna in Niger State to visit President Ibrahim Babangida, who celebrated his 83rd birthday on August 17. President Obasanjo noted the contributions of President Babangida and celebrated his good health.

“In his remarks, Obasanjo said he could not do this earlier as he was outside the country. He prayed for continued good health for the President,” the statement said.