President Goodluck Jonathan leaves the country tonight on a pilgrimage to Israel even as the Presidency has denied report that he would lead 19 state governors and about 30,000 Nigerians to the holy land.
In a statement yesterday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, described the report as a misrepresentation of fact.
Abati said Jonathan would be accompanied on the trip by Senator Emmanuel Paulker, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Viola Onwuliri, and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.
The Presidential aide said irrespective of Jonathan's visit, thousands of Nigerians visit Israel annually during the pilgrimage season which, according to him, goes on for months and they will undoubtedly do so again between now and early next year. He added that it was fortuitous for some of these Nigerian pilgrims therefore that their visit to Israel this year would coincide with that of the President.
Jonathan would also undertake a tour of some locations in Israel which are revered by Christians because of their association with the earthly mission of Jesus Christ while he may meet and interact with some other Nigerians who are already on a pilgrimage to Israel. in Israel, Jonathan is expected to meet with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.
Source: Jonathan goes on pilgrimage to Israel (http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/jonathan-goes-on-pilgrimage-to-israel/)