11th September, 2014
Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati has dismissed news making the rounds that President Goodluck Jonathan is romancing alleged sponsor of Boko Haram, Modu Sheriff on his Twitter page.
Abati stated that the former Borno state governor was not on the official list of delegates that accompanied Jonathan to Chad.
“The claim that the President is “hobnobbing” with the former Borno State Gov is totally erroneous and spurious.
“Names of key members of President’s delegation to Chad were announced a day before the trip. As can be verified, that list never changed. The only other persons on the list were the President’s aides, security personnel and journalists.
Abati then explained that Sheriff has longstanding interests in Chad and often spends a lot of time there. “He happened to be in Ndjamena at the time. He joined other Nigerians resident in Chad in coming to the airport to welcome President Jonathan.”
“The pictures which formed the basis of the bogus allegation were taken at the airport. Sheriff’s presence was not at President Jonathan’s instance.
“And he did not participate in any of the President’s discussions with President Idriss Deby Itno.
Abati then acknowledged the allegations made against the president by negotiator Dr Stephen Davis. “Jonathan is fully aware of the allegation made against Senator Sheriff by Stephen Davis, being investigated by security agencies.
“The President will not take any action that could prejudice the outcome of that ongoing inquiry.”
“President Jonathan remains committed to bringing all identified & verified sponsors of terrorism to justice& ending the menace of extremism.”