Bayelsa Poll: Buhari Didn’t Blackmail Jonathan To Support APC —Presidency
The Presidency has described as “ false and irresponsible’’ reports that former president , Goodluck Jonathan was blackmailed to support the governing party, All Progressives Congress, in recent Bayelsa State governorship election .
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday , the Senior Special Assistant to the President , Media and Publicity , Malam Garba Shehu , expressed shock that such a story could be considered believable to the point of being given space in some newspapers .
He said , “ It just doesn ’ t make any sense. Our media really must learn to verify whatever they publish .
“ And people who make wild allegations during interviews should be made to produce the facts backing their claims by editors .
” A newspaper can be sued for granting space to people who belch false allegations against individuals with no proof . ’’
Shehu said the former president had been out of power for almost five years, without any previous allegations of government blackmail cropping up .
He also noted that there were more than enough reasons for Jonathan to work against his party , in the just concluded Bayelsa elections, without interference by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“ Anyone who has been following the politics of Bayelsa State should be aware of the sour relationship between Dr Jonathan and the incumbent governor , Seriake Dickson . That ’s more than enough reason for the former president to decide to work against his party if indeed he did.
“ We really must stop this habit of blaming President Buhari for everything , including issues that are not his business,’’ he added .
( NAN )