Nigeria President, Goodluck Jonathan visited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday morning.
Jonathan and his convoy arrived some minutes before 12noon for the unscheduled visit but once he entered Obasanjo’s sprawling compound, the doors were closed on all other people as the two leaders proceeded to a one-on-one meeting.
The president had been originally scheduled to visit Dr. Reuben Abati, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, in Asero, Abeokuta to commiserate with him on the death of his mum, who was buried on Friday. However, he equally made it a point to see Obasanjo, who was already in a meeting with some northern governors.
Speaking afterwards on the visit, the president explained that he visited Obasanjo because he has a father-son relationship with him.
“It is true we saw President Obasanjo in his house because we came here to Abeokuta to commiserate with Abati who buried his mother yesterday,” said Jonathan, who arrived at Obasanjo’s house in the company of Senator Grace Folashade Bent.
“And knowing that Abati’s house is at the backyard of Obasanjo’s house, it will not be good if we come and not visit him. Even the man himself will not be happy if we don’t visit him. I am like a son to Obasanjo.”
Speaking with journalists at Abati’s residence, Jonathan lamented his inability to attend the Church Service in honour of Abatis’s mum, saying he travelled to Togo to meet President of Côte d’Ivoire, Allasane Quattara and the Togolese president to resolve an impending political crisis.
Jonathan consoled the bereaved family, describing Reuben Abati as a member of his own family. He also urged the family to take solace in the deceased’s ripe age and the fulfilled life she lived.
Responding, Abati thanked the president for coming but said he was not expecting him, having been represented at the church service by his Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe.
