By Fatima Mukhtar
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied claims that he accused ex-President Muhammadu Buhari of having links with the terrorist group Boko Haram.
In a statement released by his media office, Jonathan clarified that his recent remarks at the launch of Scars, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, were misinterpreted by a section of the media. He said he never suggested that Buhari had any relationship or sympathy with Boko Haram.
The former president explained that during his tenure, efforts were made to initiate peace talks with Boko Haram insurgents, and at one point, the group reportedly mentioned Buhari as one of their preferred mediators. According to Jonathan, this fact was merely part of history and not an accusation against Buhari.
However, the statement sparked mixed reactions, with Buhari’s former media aide, Garba Shehu, dismissing the claim as false and politically motivated. Shehu emphasized that Buhari himself had been a target of Boko Haram attacks and could never have acted as their negotiator.
According to Vanguard, Jonathan urged the media to avoid sensational reporting and focus on facts, stressing that his comments were aimed at highlighting Nigeria’s long struggle against terrorism, not at creating political controversy.
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