Former presidents and heads of state were absent yesterday at the inauguration of National Conference by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Shagari, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, former heads of state Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari and Abdulsalami Abubakar as well as head of interim government Chief Ernest Shonekan did not attend the ceremony.
It was advertised earlier that the former leaders would attend the inauguration of the national confab.
During the inauguration of the National Political Reform Conference convened by Obasanjo on February 21, 2005, Gowon, Shagari, Abdulsalami, Babangida and Shone-kan were all in attendance.
On the other hand, even though the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not nominate delegates, two of its governors attended the inauguration. They are Adams Oshiomhole of Edo and Rochas Okorocha of Imo state.
Other governors who attended included Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Liyel Imoke of Cross River and Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo.
Among the 19 northern governors only Taraba State Acting Governor Garba Umar was present. Kogi and Niger governors sent their deputies, Yomi Awoniyi and Ahmed Musa Ibeto respectively.
Ministers present include Aliyu Gusau (Defence), Labaran Maku (Information), Bala Muhammad (FCT), Diezani Alison-Madueke (Petroleum), Tanimu Turaki (Special Duties), Boni Haruna (Youths), Muhammad Wakil (State for Power) and Muhammed Bello Adoke (Justice).
