Jonathan made the clarification in a statement released by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, following widespread reactions to comments he made during the public presentation of a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, held on Friday in Abuja.
During the event, Jonathan had mentioned that members of Boko Haram once nominated Buhari as a mediator during his administration’s negotiations with the group. His remarks, however, drew criticism from some quarters, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who interpreted the statement as an attempt to link Buhari to the insurgency.
Clarifying the issue, Jonathan’s media office stated that the former president’s comments were “grossly misrepresented” and never suggested that Buhari had any relationship or sympathy for the terrorist group.
“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,” the statement read.
It explained that Jonathan’s comments were only intended to highlight “the deceptive and manipulative tactics Boko Haram employed during its early years” to confuse the government and the public.
The statement urged Nigerians to disregard the misinterpretations circulating online and in the media, emphasizing that Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria.
