"Boko Haram didn’t start with me", President says

monjola sotubo

March 3, 2015 2:22 PM

Jonathan stated that the activities of the terrorist group didn’t start within his tenure so he can’t possibly be accused of mishandling the situation.

President Goodluck Jonathan has responded to allegations that he mishandled the Boko Haram menace.

“No it is not a question of mishandling. Boko Haram didn't start with me,” the President said during an interview with Al-Jazeera’s Yvonne Ndege in Lagos.

Jonathan also shot down reports that he had intensified actions against the sect because of the upcoming general elections.

“It’s out of ignorance. In a political environment, if one party, particularly the ruling party is going to the left, they (opposition) would have to go to the right. They must find something. They must have something to tell the people,” Jonathan said.

The President also said that Nigeria had acquired 65-70% of the weapons needed to combat the group.

Watch the interview below:

monjola sotubo