Bayelsa: Buhari Did Not Blackmail Jonathan – Presidency

The Presidency on Tuesday denied insinuations that President Muhammadu Buhari blackmailed ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to support the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that Jonathan was alleged to have backed the candidate of the APC, David Lyon, in the just concluded Bayelsa State Governorship election.

Speaking to newsmen, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu described reports of Buhari blackmailing Jonathan as  “false and irresponsible’’.

He wondered how such a story could be considered believable to the point of being given space in some newspapers, stressing that such report “doesn’t make any sense.”

“Our media really must learn to verify whatever they publish. And people who make wild allegations during interviews should be made to produce the facts backing their claims by editors.

“A newspaper can be sued for granting space to people who belch false allegations against individuals with no proof,” he said.

Garba Shehu said Jonathan had been out of power for almost five years, without any previous allegations of government blackmail him coming up.

The presidential aide added there was enough reason Jonathan could have worked against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State.

“Anyone who has been following the politics of Bayelsa State should be aware of the sour relationship between Dr Jonathan and the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson. That’s more than enough reason for the former president to decide to work against his party, if indeed he did.

“We really must stop this habit of blaming President Buhari for everything, including issues that are not his business,’’ he added.