The Vice President-Elect, Kashim Shettima, paid a secret visit to former military leaders, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Thursday, amid reports of a plot to install an interim government. Shettima was accompanied by the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, and Senator Sani Musa.
Sources close to the two former military leaders revealed that the visits by Shettima were aimed at seeking their support and guidance for the incoming government to be led by President-Elect, Bola Tinubu. The sources also suggested that the move was to consult with the two elder statesmen over the alleged plot by some politicians to install an interim government.
Shettima’s visit to the former military leaders lasted for about 30 minutes each and was held behind closed doors. Speaking to reporters after the meetings, Shettima said he was in the state to meet with the two leaders and get their advice and input on the issues confronting the nation. He assured that the challenges bedeviling Niger state and other states would be adequately addressed.
The visit by Shettima to the two former military leaders is seen as a strategic move to seek their support and guidance for the incoming government. It is also an indication that the Tinubu-led government is taking steps to ensure that it has the backing of key stakeholders in the country, especially amid reports of a plot to install an interim government.
“Our elders are the beacon of hope and we will continue to tap from their wealth of experience. They have a lot to offer the nation and humanity. We will continue to reach out to them for their advice, inputs, and perspectives on issues confronting us as a nation,” Shettima said.
