By Jide Afolabi, Jos

President Muhammadu Buhari today, Tuesday chaired the Council of State meeting holding at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Present at the meeting were the former heads of state including the head of interim government, Ernest Shonekan, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, former military Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and other members of the council, which consist of past leaders of Nigeria.

President Buhari and former president Obasanjo had a warm handshake at the meeting. This is contrary to public expectations as a result of the open letter the former president wrote to Buhari about 48 hours ago where he alleged that the Buhari led government was planning to rig 2019 elections and compared the government to that of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

But in a swift reaction, the Presidency stated that Obasanjo was sick and need to consult his doctors according to a press release by Shehu Garba, a Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media, and Publicity.

The Council of State meeting is constitutionally empowered to advise the President on the affairs of the country.

January 22, 2019