The presidency
yesterday denied reports in the media of allegations made against
President Goodluck Jonathan in an affidavit said to have been sworn to
by former Nigerian militant leader, Mr Henry Okay who is facing trial in
South Africa for his alleged involvement in terrorist acts against
Nigeria.
A statement
signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr
Reuben Abati said “the Presidency categorically affirms that these
allegations are false in their entirety and without any factual
foundation”.
According to the
statement, “as the case of Mr. Okah’s involvement in the plotting and
execution of terrorist attacks in Nigeria is already before a court of
competent jurisdiction in South Africa, the Presidency does not intend
to say anymore on the matter for now and will, in accordance with due
process and international law, make a full representation on the matter
to the court when the trial opens.
“The Presidency
also advises the Nigerian media to respect the sanctity of the legal and
judicial processes in this matter and avoid becoming willing tools in
the hands of Mr. Okah and his agents in an entirely diversionary trial
by the media aimed only at falsely impugning the character and integrity
of the President and officials of his administration”.
