FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN CLARIFIES MISREPRESENTED REMARKS ON BUHARI AND BOKO HARAM

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied allegations that he suggested late President Muhammadu Buhari had ties with Boko Haram, describing media reports as grossly misrepresented. In a statement, Ikechukwu Eze, Special Adviser to the Former President (Media and Public Affairs), emphasized that Dr. Jonathan’s comments were twisted and taken out of context.

Ikechukwu Eze clarified that Jonathan’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges, aiming to highlight Boko Haram’s manipulative strategies. “At no time did Dr. Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form,” Eze asserted.

Jonathan’s reference was to a documented episode where factions falsely claimed Boko Haram nominated prominent Nigerians, including Buhari, as mediators without their consent. “The point Dr. Jonathan sought to make was that Boko Haram, in its characteristic deceit, often invoked names of respected public figures to sow confusion, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government,” Eze explained.

Ikechukwu Eze stressed Jonathan recognized Buhari’s firm stance against terrorism; Buhari was himself a Boko Haram target. “For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Jonathan recognizes that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism and was himself a target of Boko Haram violence,” Eze noted.

Jonathan questioned the logic of Buhari’s alleged nomination: “If indeed Buhari was their choice negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram expeditiously bring their evil terrorist agenda to an end when the retired General became president?” Both leaders shared commitment to restoring Nigeria’s peace and stability.

The Office of the Former President urges public disregard for misinterpretations, affirming Jonathan’s dedication to peace, unity, and democratic values. “Dr. Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and strengthening democratic values in Nigeria,” Ikechukwu Eze concluded, underscoring truthful understanding of challenges over fact distortion.