By Muhammad Mamman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed suggestions that he indicted ex-President Muhammadu Buhari over alleged ties to Boko Haram, clarifying that his recent comments were misinterpreted.
Jonathan explained that his remarks at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum — a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd) — were never intended to portray Buhari as a sympathiser of terrorists.
“At no time did Dr Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or supported the group in any form,” his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, said in a statement on Saturday.
Jonathan had earlier recalled that during his administration, Boko Haram had once nominated Buhari to lead negotiations with the government — a claim Buhari’s former media aide, Garba Shehu, swiftly rejected as “deceptive”.
Shehu took to social media to refute the comment, insisting Buhari was never chosen by the insurgents for such a role.
Responding, Jonathan explained that his reference to Buhari was simply to illustrate how Boko Haram had used the names of respected Nigerians to manipulate public opinion and create confusion.
“The group’s tactic then was to exploit political divisions by falsely invoking the names of prominent figures as potential mediators, often without their knowledge or consent,” the statement clarified.
Jonathan further noted that if Boko Haram had genuinely trusted Buhari, their violent campaign would have ceased when he became president in 2015.
Meanwhile, several Nigerians on social media supported Jonathan’s version, recalling that in 2012, multiple national newspapers had reported a Boko Haram faction naming Buhari among six preferred mediators in proposed peace talks with the Federal Government.
One user on X wrote, “Garba Shehu, the facts are public. In 2012, Boko Haram listed Buhari as a preferred negotiator. Buhari later distanced himself, but it happened.”
Another commented, “He didn’t say Buhari mediated; he said they nominated him — and that’s true.”
Jonathan concluded that both he and Buhari shared a common goal: restoring peace and stability in Nigeria during their respective administrations.
