Jonathan meets security chiefs, mourns Aziza

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday met behind closed doors with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The routine meeting was said to have reviewed government’s efforts at tackling the security challenges facing the nation.

The heads of all security agencies, including the acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, were at the meeting, which was also attended by some ministers.

None of those who attended the meeting that lasted for about three hours spoke with journalists.

The meeting was the first of such to be attended by Abba since his recent appointment after the retirement of Muhammed Abubakar.

The President also on Monday commiserated with the Urhobo people of Delta State on the death at the weekend of the President-General of the Urhobo Progressive Union, Maj.-Gen. Patrick Aziza (retd).

In a statement by Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President also extended condolences to the Aziza family, the government and entire people of Delta State as well as the late General’s friends, associates and former military colleagues.

He said he joined them in mourning the passage of the former minister and one-time military governor of Kebbi State, who he said selflessly dedicated himself to the service of his people and community after retirement.

The statement read in part, “As they grieve over his death, President Jonathan urges members of the Aziza family, the Urhobo Progressive Union, his friends and former colleagues in the Nigerian Army to accept the will of God Almighty and be comforted by the knowledge that General Aziza served his people and country to the best of his God-given abilities while he lived.

“The President prays that God Almighty will give them solace and grant the late General’s soul eternal rest.”