President Goodluck Jonathan was privy to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s visit to Kaduna State, investigation has revealed. The visit has reportedly caused a rift between Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo. However, Sambo has since denied the allegation. Some sections of the media reported on Sunday that Sambo used the opportunity of Obasanjo’s visit to Kaduna (his state) to condole with the state over Governor Patrick Yakowa’s death to mobilise traditional rulers against Jonathan’s alleged second time bid.
Yakowa died alongside former National Security Adviser Andrew Azazi in the December 15 helicopter crash in Bayelsa State. But a top Presidency source told our correspondent on Monday that contrary to that report, the President had a foreknowledge of Obasanjo’s visit. The source claimed that Obasanjo travelled to and fro the state aboard a presidential jet.
He said, “Whoever is saying that the President was not aware of Obasanjo’s visit to the state is only lying. The former President travelled on a presidential jet. “I am sure you know that those in charge of presidential jets could not have released one of them to Obasanjo without the President’s approval.
“It is also important to note that the President has not complained about this issue. That news report was based on falsehood.” Senior Special Assistant to the VP on Media and Publicity, Mr. Umar Sani, said Sambo could not undermine Jonathan because they enjoy a good working relationship. He said, “The former President was in the state on a condolence visit. It was when he arrived that he heard that the VP was also in the state. Obasanjo then decided to use that opportunity to pay a condolence visit to the VP. The ex-President visited the VP in company with the state governor (Mukhtar Yero).”
Sani added that the meeting with the traditional rulers was initially to be attended by Sambo and the governor, adding that it was not part of Obasanjo’s itinerary.
He said contrary to the report, the meeting, which was to rally support for Yero, was held in the open and was covered by journalists.
“The meeting was open to journalists. The NTA crew recorded the proceeding. We can play the recording for all to see and hear the discussion,” Sani said.
Punch Nigeria
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