Jonathan Denies Accusing Buhari of Boko Haram Links, Says Remarks Were Misrepresented
Jonathan Denies Accusing Buhari of Boko Haram Links, Says Remarks Were Misrepresented
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted claims that he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having any connection with the terrorist group Boko Haram, describing such reports as a deliberate misrepresentation of his remarks.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan clarified that he neither alleged nor implied that Buhari had ties with the insurgent group. He explained that his comments during the public presentation of Scars, a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), were taken out of context.
According to Jonathan, he merely recounted a historical incident in which Boko Haram reportedly listed Buhari among those it wanted to represent them in proposed peace talks with the Nigerian government during his administration.
“At no time did I accuse or suggest that President Buhari had any relationship with Boko Haram. My remarks were purely historical, aimed at recalling the complex challenges my administration faced in tackling terrorism,” the statement read.
The former president lamented what he described as “a pattern of distortion” by some commentators and sections of the media, warning against the politicization of national security issues.
Jonathan urged Nigerians to focus on collective efforts to defeat terrorism and promote peace rather than misrepresenting past events for political gain.
The clarification followed widespread online reactions to his remarks at the Abuja book launch, where his recollection of Boko Haram’s 2012 overture to Buhari had sparked debate across political circles.
