What Jonathan, Obasanjo discussed in Abeokuta

THE closed door meeting between President Goodluck
Jonathan and former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,
held at the latter’s Hilltop Mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun
State, on Monday, was largely meant to straighten issues,
sources have said.
It was gathered that the meeting was to assure the former
president that Jonathan had nothing against him, contrary
to insinuation in some quarters around the former leader.
Sources in the party had told the Nigerian Tribune that the
mission was to straighten issues, in line with President
Jonathan’s belief in the African tradition which accords
respect to elders.
“It is his (Jonathan) belief that elders, especially those who
have held positions of authority before, are wiser out of
office and that consultations with them from time to time is
to be expected,” a source said, adding that some feelers
reaching the former president had insinuated that Jonathan
was fighting him.
Besides, it was gathered that Obasanjo was of the view that
Jonathan harboured some ill feelings against him and that
some occasional attacks on his person might have been
sanctioned by the president.
“The meeting was frank and straight to the issues at hand.
The president assured Obasanjo he would do nothing to
injure his reputation, but insisted that respect should be
reciprocal.
“He said in our culture, elders are to be respected, even
when they make mistakes and that when issues of public
communication are involved, caution should not be thrown
to the wind,” it was further gathered.
“Two clerics were also on hand at the meeting, though the
real meeting took place at the inner recess of the living
room,” a source said, adding that their presence was to
mediate in the seeming misunderstanding between the two
leaders and pray for a peaceful Nigeria.