Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports suggesting he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having links with Boko Haram, saying his comments were misrepresented.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Mr Jonathan said he never alleged or implied that Buhari was connected to or supported the terrorist group.
The clarification followed reactions to Jonathan’s remarks at the launch of Scars, a book authored by former chief of defence staff, Lucky Irabor, where he recalled that Boko Haram once named Buhari among those they wanted to represent them in peace talks with the government.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, said his comments were taken out of context.
He explained that the reference was meant to illustrate how Boko Haram used the names of respected individuals to create confusion and manipulate the public during early efforts to negotiate peace.
Mr Eze said the former president’s remarks were intended to highlight the group’s deceptive tactics, not to implicate Buhari.
“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 to represent them in dialogue with the Federal Government,” the statement read in part.
“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’s office said both leaders worked to combat terrorism during their administrations and shared a commitment to restoring peace and stability in the country.
It added that the public should disregard any misrepresentation of Jonathan’s remarks, stressing that he remains committed to peace, unity and strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
