South-South Govs Aware Jonathan has Links With Avengers – FG Official

South-South Govs Aware Jonathan has Links With Avengers – FG Official

A top official of the Federal Government has alleged that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, or some people sympathetic to him, are behind the spate of bombings carried out by militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, Punch writes.

This is coming amid media reports that the Presidency is in possession of security report allegedly linking Jonathan to the formation and activities of the Avengers, claims the former president has vehemently denied.

However, the top government source said the revelation was first made by “those who should know” at a meeting held in the seat of power some months back that had in attendance leaders from the South-South, including state governors from the region.

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.”

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.”

Meanwhile, Punch reports that the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, in a telephone interview, debunked the allegations as a “wicked lie”.

 “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.”

It will be recalled that Jonathan, through a statement by his Media Aide, Ikechukwu Eze, denied the allegation on Thursday, saying his enemies were jealous of his rising profile.