Former US First Lady, Michelle Obama, has explained decision to snub President Donald Trump’s second inauguration earlier this year.

Obama’s absence led to a lot of speculation and criticism.

She had also skipped former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9.

But speaking on the latest episode of her podcast IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, which she co-hosts with her brother, she opened up on her reasons.

In a discussion with actress Taraji P. Henson, she opened up about the deeply personal reasons behind her decision.

“My decision to skip the inauguration — you know what people don’t realize or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me, were met with such ridicule and criticism,” she said.

“People couldn’t believe that I was saying no for any other reason, they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart.

“While I’m here really trying to own my life and intentionally practice making the choice that was right for me.”

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has set up a sub-committee to collaborate with heads of security agencies for immediate solution to security challenges in the country.

Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma announced this in the early hours of Thursday while reading a communique issued after the NGF’s second meeting held late Wednesday night in Abuja.

The communique was signed by the forum’s Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara.

Uzodinma noted that the governors’ decision was as a result of their admiration for technology-driven solutions presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who made a presentation at the meeting.

”The Forum received a presentation from the CDS on an innovative security initiative aimed at strengthening national and sub-national capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response.

”The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management and public safety.

”Governors expressed support for the initiative’s objectives and underscored the importance of technology-driven solutions in addressing evolving security challenges at the state level.

”Governors also commended the CDS and indeed the Nigerian military for these valuable propositions and initiatives,” he said.

Uzodinma added that the forum also received a presentation from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, on unlocking the economic potential of land through a Federal-State partnership for land reform.

He said that the minister outlined ongoing housing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Programme and proposed a comprehensive land registration reform to formalise land ownership, enhance tenure security and boost internally generated revenue across states.

”The Forum also received a presentation on a proposed strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN), aimed at revitalising the electricity distribution sector through private sector investment.

”Under the proposed agreement, PSGN will assume operational control of select distribution companies (Discos), introduce advanced smart grid technologies and establish a meter production facility to enhance service delivery and energy across states,’’ he said.

Dangiwa who spoke earlier in an interview with newsmen, said the presentation was to update the governors on the current administration’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

The minister said, the presentation was also to request for land from all the state governors yet to offer the required land needed for the housing programme.

Also speaking, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the recent killings and attacks in some states should not be seen as an indictment on the governors because they have limited roles to play in addressing security challenges.

Sani said while he agreed with the National Security Council comment he also believed that security agencies in Nigeria should also step up action and do what is right.

He said that while leaders must take responsibility, there was need for all stakeholders to work together and address the problem of insecurity.

”In my opinion, it is not an indictment. I do agree that we have a limited role to play concerning the constitution of Nigeria.

”By the grace of God, it is one of the areas we are going to look at, the possibility of the creation of state police in Nigeria, which for me would go a long way in tackling insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level,’’ he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently presiding over the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Surprisingly, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Eke Ibas, is in attendance.

Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, who just defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, is also at the meeting.

Other governors spotted at the meeting include Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Benue; Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Kwara; Monday Okpebholo, Edo; and Bassey Otu, Cross River.

A number of deputy governors are also in attendance.

The National Economic Council meeting is usually chaired by the Vice President. The meeting deliberates on issues that concern Nigeria’s economy.

More details later…