Former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted claims that he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having links to Boko Haram, asserting that his remarks were taken out of context.
The clarification comes in response to widespread reactions following comments he made during the launch of a book by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan described the media reports as “grossly misrepresented” and clarified that he never suggested or implied that Buhari had any connection to the terrorist group.
Instead, he explained that his remarks were part of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges and were intended to highlight the manipulative tactics used by Boko Haram in its early years.
Jonathan referred to an incident where the group falsely invoked the names of prominent Nigerians as potential mediators without their consent.
“The former president’s comments were meant to expose Boko Haram’s deceitful strategies and their attempts to exploit political divisions and public figures to sow confusion,” the statement read.
He further stressed that his remarks were not directed at implicating Buhari or any political figure.
Jonathan pointed out the inconsistency in the claims, noting that if Buhari were truly chosen as the group’s negotiator, their violent campaign should have ended when he became president.
He also acknowledged that Buhari, like himself, was a victim of Boko Haram’s attacks and shared the same commitment to combating terrorism and restoring peace to Nigeria.
Jonathan’s office called on the public to disregard any distorted interpretations of his comments, reiterating his dedication to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democracy in Nigeria.
The statement concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on truthful engagement with the country’s challenges, free from sensationalism or political distortion.
The post Boko Haram: Jonathan clarifies remark on Buhari first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
