Contrary to the initial position of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christians Pilgrims Commission, John-Kennedy Opara, President Goodluck Jonathan is to combine his pilgrimage to Israel with an official visit to the country.
A statement from the Presidency on Tuesday said that Jonathan will combine both his religious rites with an official visit to Israel.
Opara had last week said the President’s visit to Israel was purely religious.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said that Jonathan will late on Wednesday embark on the pilgrimage to Israel.
President Jonathan is to meet with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.
Abati said talks between Jonathan’s delegation and Israeli government officials are expected to focus on the enhancement of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel in areas including trade, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, communications, culture, education and tourism.
The President is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.
Jonathan, who will be accompanied on the trip by Senator Emmanuel Paulker; the Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina; the Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe; the Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolememen; the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Viola Onwuliri; and the National Security Adviser, Colobel Sambo Dasuki, will undertake a tour of some locations in Israel, which are revered by Christians because of their association with the earthly mission of Jesus Christ.
Abati added: “While the President may meet and interact with some other Nigerians who are already on a pilgrimage to Israel, reports in the media that he is leading 19 state governors and about 30,000 Nigerians to Israel are a misrepresentation of facts.
“Irrespective of President Jonathan’s visit, thousands of Nigerians visit Israel annually during the pilgrimage season which goes on for months and they will undoubtedly do so again between now and early next year.
“It is entirely fortuitous for some of these Nigerian pilgrims therefore that their visit to Israel this year will coincide with President Jonathan’s.
“President Jonathan is expected back in Abuja early next week.”
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