Apparently getting ready for the 2015 battle, President Goodluck Jonathan may have commenced nationwide consultations with the traditional rulers to seek Royal blessings as he prepares to seek re-election.
The President made surprise visits dubbed “private” to four key traditional rulers on Saturday- one in the north and three in the south-west.
They are the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
He first visited the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero in Kano, where he told the referred traditional rule that he was at the palace to thank him for the role he has been playing in promoting peace and harmony in his domain as well as unifying the country.
It was a rewarding trip for the President as the Emir, sent a clear message to those fanning the embers of disunity to have a rethink, saying Nigeria is indivisible.
From Kano, the consolation train which had on board few presidential aides and party chieftains jetted to Ibadan, from here it proceeded to Ile-Ife, Osun state.
On arrival, he paid homage to the Ooni of Ife and held closed doors talks with him. He was received on arrival by Osun state Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, Iyiola Omisore and other key PDP members from the state.
At the Alaafin of Oyo’s palace, President Jonathan was received by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Aare Musulimi of Yorubaland, Arisekola Alao and Minsiter of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide and a former Governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo. He alo held private talks with the monarch.
“Oyo, Ife and Ibadan are important towns, which the President must visit in the South-West. What the President came to discuss is purely private and it goes beyond politics. The state governor was also there. I think such visits must be made frequently,” former governor Olunloyo, was quoted as saying.
From Oyo, the train moved to Lagos, where the President also consulted with Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.
Prompt News gathered that the President will continue his consultations with traditional rulers next week. He is billed to move to south east before returning to the north for further consultations.
