N’ Delta Avengers: S’South govs aware of Jonathan’s complicity –FG official

7 years ago

N’ Delta Avengers: S’South govs aware of Jonathan’s complicity –FG official

The revelation that former President Goodluck Jonathan or some people sympathetic to him are behind the spate of bombings being witnessed in the Niger Delta was first made at a meeting inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.

There have been media reports that the Presidency is in possession of security report allegedly linking Jonathan to the formation and activities of the Niger Delta Avengers.

The intelligence report was said to have confirmed that oil installations were mined before the May 29, 2015 handover to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Although Jonathan had denied the allegation twice, a top government official, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday, confirmed that such report is currently available.

The source said the revelation was first made by “those who should know” at a meeting held in the seat of power some months back.

He said the meeting was attended by some leaders from the South South, including state governors from the region.

The meeting was called as part of efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.

The source said, “You know that leaders from the region, including the governors are also affected by the violence in the region.

“The situation is affecting their revenue and they cannot meet many of their obligations. So, they were also interested in finding a lasting solution to the matter.

“It was in one of such meetings called to find a solution that that revelation was made. It was confirmed that there was indeed Plan B and that those who held the view that Jonathan must continue as President by all means were shocked that he conceded victory to Buhari.”

The source, however, said only security agencies would be able to exonerate Jonathan at the end of the day.

When asked if Buhari had indeed directed security agencies to investigate Jonathan, the source said, “The President does not have to give such order before security agencies will know that with the allegations becoming more pronounced, especially from MEND, they need to investigate.

“For a fact, this President will not stop security agencies from investigating anybody, no matter how highly placed.

“It is also in the interest of the former President that the matter is thoroughly investigated. It is also in his interest to come out clean on the matter.

“We need to know whether he is personally involved in the plan or whether it was those sympathetic to him that hatched the plan.”

But the Rivers State Governor, Mr. NyesomWike, in a telephone interview with our correspondent denied that such revelation was made at a meeting of South South leaders.

Describing the allegation as a “wicked lie”, Wike said, “There is no truth in that allegation. Those behind the allegation are suffering from acute malaria.

“Those who are spreading such a huge allegation against the former President will never know peace. They are liars.”

Also, the former President had in a statement on Thursday by his Media Aide, Ikechukwu Eze, denied the allegation, saying Jonathan’s enemies were jealous of his rising profile.