Daniel Atori 
Vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima, yesterday paid visits to ex-military president, Ibrahim Babangida and a former head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Minna. Shettima, who arrived in the Niger State capital in the afternoon, held separate closed-door meetings with the former military chiefs in their homes.
The former Borno State governor was accompanied by Governor Sani Bello and Governor-elect Mohammed Bago on the visits. Speaking to reporters after the meetings, Shettima said he was in the state to meet with Babangida and Abdulsalami to seek their advice and input into the issues confronting the country.
He said: “The elder statesmen are major stakeholders; they have a lot to offer to humanity and the nation, especially on issues that affect the country. “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.” According to him, the challenges facing the state and other states would be adequately addressed. He commended the Sani Bello government for ensuring relative peace in the state he described as an essential ingredient for development. The Vice President-elect also visited the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouq Bahago.