We did not freeze Jonathan’s accounts – Presidency

The presidency has debunked the claims by some protesters in Bayelsa state that the allowances due to the former President Goodluck Jonathan have been stopped and his accounts frozen. The Senior Special Assistant, media, Garba Shehu said this in a statement on Friday.

 “We have confirmed with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) that the former President and the other past leaders were paid their allowances up to the second quarter. The past leaders have not been paid third quarter allowances but will get their dues when remittances are received by the SGF from the Ministry of Finance.” “Also, the story of account closure is false. It is not known to the investigation agencies. The National Security Adviser to the President is not aware of this bank account closure. The DG SSS is unaware of it, the EFCC is unaware and the IG of Police is not in the know.” 

“With all of these agencies not being involved, how then could a thing like that happen? In a dream perhaps! To put it starkly, we believe there is a clear motive for the demonstration that is different from that which was being canvassed.” He also refuted the claims as premeditated attempts to pile the blames on the president who is unaware of the issue. 

“This is a premeditated attempt to blame President Muhammadu Buhari for something he knows nothing about. These claims are false & poorly sourced to present a picture of vendetta & they should b disregarded by well-meaning members of d public.” 

“President Buhari remains committed to the ideals of justice and fairness to all irrespective of creed, religion and political leanings. His administration will not engage in vendetta.” There is hope for Nigeria, a hope that was previously clouded by corruption, greed and lack of focus,” he concluded.