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”.