By Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed media reports that he implied the late former President Muhammadu Buhari had any association with the Boko Haram terrorist group.
The controversy arose following a speech Jonathan delivered at the book launch for former Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor. Jonathan’s office says his remarks were taken out of context by some news outlets.
In a clarification issued by his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan stressed the reports were completely misleading.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that the former President’s comments were grossly misrepresented. At no time did Dr. Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form.”
Jonathan explained that his original comments were made during a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges and were meant to illustrate the deceptive and manipulative strategies employed by Boko Haram during their early operations.
He was referencing a known episode where the terrorist organization falsely invoked the names of prominent Nigerians, including Buhari, as potential mediators all done without those individuals’ knowledge or consent.
According to the statement: “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.”
Jonathan further challenged the logic of the false media narrative, questioning why the terrorist threat continued if Buhari had truly been their choice negotiator.
Concluding the clarification, Jonathan affirmed their shared commitment to security, stating:
“Dr. Jonathan recognized 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 Former President’s office urged the public to disregard the misinterpretations, stressing the importance of truthful reporting over sensational purpose.
