Ex-President 'boycotts' Presidential thanksgiving service

This was disclosed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the annual end of the year thanksgiving service.

The service, which took place at the Aso Rock Chapel, was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Yakubu Gowon, former head of state; and Ernest Shonekan, a one-time interim president.

Also in attendance were former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Oladipo Diya, and Ebitu Ukiwe, ex-Chiefs of general staff.

Osinbajo said: "Today is a special thanksgiving for the end of the year and as you have seen, all the former presidents and vice-presidents are here for the special thanksgiving service.

"They have been specially invited to come, we also expected President Jonathan, but unfortunately, he had to cancel at the last moment.

"So we are all extremely excited that we have been able to bring everyone together to thank God for our nation and to give Him thanks for the great future ahead of us."

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Speaking at the service, senior special assistant to the president on national assembly matters, Ita Enang, thanked the vice-president and the organisers of the service for bringing the past and present leaders together.

He said the event was specifically to thank God for helping the country steer the economy.