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Jonathan clarifies remarks at Irabor’s book launch
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Says Boko Haram falsely invoked names of respected Nigerians
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Affirms Buhari stood firmly against terrorism
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has distanced himself from reports suggesting he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of complicity in the Boko Haram crisis.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan said his remarks at the book launch of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), were grossly misrepresented by sections of the media.
“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, and therefore this made him somehow complicit in the Boko Haram crisis. We wish to make it abundantly clear that the former President’s comments were grossly misrepresented,” the statement read.
Jonathan explained that his comments were intended to highlight Boko Haram’s manipulative strategies during its early years, when the group invoked the names of prominent Nigerians without their consent in an attempt to sow confusion and undermine government credibility.
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“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, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government. His comments were therefore an illustration of the group’s duplicity, not an accusation against the late former president or any individual for that matter,” Eze stated.
Jonathan clarified that he never suggested Buhari supported Boko Haram, stressing that both leaders shared the same goal of restoring peace to Nigeria.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Jonathan recognizes that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism and was himself a target of Boko Haram violence. Both men, during their respective tenures, shared a common commitment to restoring peace and stability to Nigeria,” the statement read.
The former president urged the public to disregard distortions of his remarks, insisting he remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democracy in Nigeria.
