President Bola Tinubu on Saturday received former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), at the State House in Abuja.
The Presidency confirmed the meeting in a brief statement, though details of the discussion were not immediately disclosed. General Danjuma, 87, is widely regarded as an elder statesman and has historically been consulted by Presidents on matters of national importance due to his extensive experience in military and security affairs.
Danjuma served as Defence Minister during the first term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003. He was also Chief of Army Staff from 1976 to 1979 under the military government of Obasanjo and played a key role in Nigeria’s political history, including the July 1966 counter-coup that brought General Yakubu Gowon to power.
Born in Taraba, Danjuma is also a billionaire businessman with interests in the oil and gas sector through his company, South Atlantic Petroleum, and is known for philanthropic activities through the TY Danjuma Foundation.
READ ALSO:Â Tinubu Approves Three Niger Road Rebuilds
The retired general has been vocal on security matters, notably in 2018 when he urged Nigerians to defend themselves against armed attacks, citing concerns over inadequate protection by security forces.
While the purpose of Saturday’s meeting was not disclosed, it is expected to reflect the ongoing consultation of elder statesmen by the Presidency on issues of national security and governance.