Former President Goodluck Jonathan has come out to set the record straight regarding allegations that he implicated late President Muhammadu Buhari in connections with Boko Haram, describing media portrayals as grossly misrepresented. In a statement issued by Ikechukwu Eze, Special Adviser to the Former President (Media and Public Affairs), Jonathan emphasized his comments were twisted and taken out of context.
According to Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan was actually highlighting Boko Haram’s cunning tactics of invoking respected Nigerians’ names to sow confusion and undermine government credibility. “At no time did Dr. Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate President Buhari had ties with Boko Haram,” Eze stressed, underscoring Jonathan’s recognition of Buhari’s firm anti-terrorism stance – Buhari himself was a Boko Haram target.
Ikechukwu Eze further explained Jonathan referenced documented instances where factions falsely claimed Boko Haram nominated prominent figures like Buhari as mediators without consent. Jonathan questioned logically: if Buhari was their chosen negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram halt violence when he became president? Both leaders shared commitment to Nigeria’s peace and stability restoration.
The clarification reflects Jonathan’s dedication to truthful understanding over fact distortion for political or sensational motives. “Dr. Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and democratic values in Nigeria,” Ikechukwu Eze affirmed, urging public disregard for misinterpretations.
