Buhari meets Jonathan inside Aso Villa

The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Friday met behind closed doors with President Goodluck Jonathan inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja. That was the first time the two leaders would be meeting since the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Buhari winner of the March 28 presidential election.

The meeting which was described as “private” was held inside the new Banquet Hall inside the President’s office.The National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was said to have accompanied Buhari to the meeting that lasted about 30minutes.
A former Head of State who is also the Chairman, National Peace Committee for the 2015 General Elections, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar (retd.), was said to have joined them at the meeting.

Abubakar reportedly arrived at the Presidential Villa ahead of Buhari.

Details of their discussion were not available at the time of filing this report but it might not be unconnected with the transition committee the two leaders are planning to put in place during the week.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed the meeting to our correspondent on the telephone.

When asked for details of discussion during the meeting, Abati said the meeting was a private one.

In his telephone conversation with Buhari while congratulating him, Jonathan had said he was looking forward to meeting him soon for them to plan seamless transition.

“So, you’d find time to come one of these days so that we can sort out how to plan the transition period,” Jonathan had told the President-elect on a recording of their telephone discussion that went viral on the Internet on Thursday.

Buhari had also in his acceptance speech said he would be meeting Jonathan in the coming days.

Saturday PUNCH