(UPDATED) President Goodluck Jonathan on Saurday paid a private, top secret visit to former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in Minna, Niger state. The visit which was heavily guarded lasted for less than an hour.
Sources said that the visit may not be unconnected with the President’s second term ambition and the appeal of IBB’s support for his candidature.
It was further reported that some journalists and politicians were barred from entering IBB residence even as there were tight security in all entrances leading to the former military President’s residence restricting both human and vehicular movement.
Insiders close to Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said the governor was barely told of the visit and even the governor was surprised with the suddenness of the visit.
A heavy presence of armed military men, Police and Department of State Security officials was noticeable in the state capital of Minna during the president’s visit.
Speaking after the visit, IBB said the president means well for this country and anybody who means well for Nigeria must support him.According to IBB,”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.”
Jonathan said he came to see his “father”.He listed the challenges facing the nation including Boko Haram among the reasons why he had to visit IBB.
It is however believed that the president has gone to IBB to seek his support for his reelection bid.