Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied ever suggesting that the late President Muhammadu Buhari had ties to the Boko Haram insurgency, saying his recent remarks were misinterpreted.
In a statement released by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan clarified that comments he made during a speech at the book launch of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja, were “grossly misrepresented.”
DAILY GAZETTE recalls that Jonathan had mentioned that, during his administration, the terrorist group Boko Haram once named Buhari as a potential mediator, a comment that sparked criticism, particularly from members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Responding to the backlash, Jonathan’s media office emphasized that at no point did the former president accuse Buhari of having any affiliation with or support for Boko Haram.
“Dr. Jonathan never suggested, implied, or insinuated that President Buhari was connected to or supported Boko Haram in any form,” the statement read.
Instead, Jonathan’s reference, according to his spokesperson, was intended to highlight the deceptive tactics used by the terrorist group in its early years, including attempts to exploit political figures and deepen national divisions.
