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HARARE - Efforts by a high-powered Zanu PF delegation to stop a meeting between Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and MDC president, Morgan Tsvangirai at State House, in the early hours of Monday morning were scuttled when the Nigerian leader insisted on the meeting taking place.

The ministers - among them foreign affairs' minister, Stan Mudenge; lands, agriculture and rural resettlement minister Joseph Made; home affairs minister, John Nkomo; Nicholas Goche of state security and Jonathan Moyo of information and publicity - were clearly embarrassed when Obasanjo insisted on seeing Tsvangirai in private.

According to sources, after the meeting with Mugabe, the ministers wanted to shepherd Obasanjo straight to the airport but he refused to budge until after he had met with Tsvangirai in private at State House.

"They all looked bemused as Obasanjo went ahead with his meeting with Tsvangirai at State House. They expected him to ignore Tsvangirai, but he proceeded to greet Tsvangirai, give him a warm hug and call him "Mr President" said the source.

Equally surprised were state security details manning the State House who could not believe their eyes when Tsvangirai arrived in a Mercedes Benz around 1am.

They simply saluted the MDC leader as a sign of respect.

The Standard is also informed that in the interior of the presidential home, Tsvangirai was warmly received and cordially served with tea, after turning down the offer of a more solid meal.

This happened while he was waiting for the Nigerian leader at the guest house he was staying in.

Yesterday, Tsvangirai himself confirmed his warm reception by security details and staff at State House.

Said Tsvangirai: "Yes, I can confirm the meting took place at State House. The staff there were very good and gave me a warm reception."

Obasanjo then met with Tsvangirai, who was in the company of his shadow foreign affairs minister, Tendai Biti.

Also present on the Nigerian side were, foreign affairs minister Sule Lamido; information minister, Professor Jerry Gana; co-operation and integration in Africa minister, Chief Bimbo Ogunkelu and Obasanjo advisor, Enerst Shoneka. - Zimbabwe Standard

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