Former President Goodluck Jonathan has strongly refuted claims suggesting that he implied former President Muhammadu Buhari was connected to Boko Haram.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan clarified that his recent comments at the book launch of former Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, had been misinterpreted by some media outlets.
“The attention of the Office of Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that Dr Jonathan alleged that Boko Haram nominated the late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to represent them in dialogue with the Federal Government,” the statement read. “We wish to make it abundantly clear that the former President’s comments were grossly misrepresented. 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.”
Jonathan elaborated on his remarks, explaining that his comments were aimed at showcasing the deceptive tactics employed by Boko Haram during its early years. He said, “Dr Jonathan’s remarks were meant to illustrate the deviousness and manipulative strategies employed by Boko Haram. His reference was to a well-documented episode when various individuals and factions falsely claimed to represent the terrorist group and purported to name prominent Nigerians as possible mediators, without those individuals’ knowledge or consent.”
The former president further emphasized that Boko Haram’s strategy often involved using the names of respected public figures to create confusion, undermine public trust, and exploit political divisions. “The point Dr Jonathan sought to make was that Boko Haram, in its characteristic deceit, often invoked the names of respected public figures to sow confusion and exploit political divisions,” the statement added.
Addressing the allegations directly, Jonathan questioned the logic behind claims that Buhari was ever involved with Boko Haram. “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?” he asked.
He concluded by affirming that both he and Buhari shared a commitment to peace and the fight against terrorism. “Dr Jonathan recognises that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism and was himself a target of Boko Haram violence,” he said. “Both men, during their respective tenures, shared a common commitment to restoring peace and stability to Nigeria.”
The statement urged the public to disregard the misinterpretation of Jonathan’s comments, reaffirming his commitment to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria.
