Jonathan’s account hasn’t been frozen, says presidency

The presidency has dispelled the rumour that it is owing former President Goodluck Jonathan his allowances.

In a statement on Friday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, also said that the bank account of the former president had not been frozen.

Shehu explained that all past leaders Jonathan had received their allowances for the second quarter of the year, and that payment for the third quarter was being processed.

“The allegation by demonstrators in Bayelsa state on Thursday that allowances due to a former president have been stopped and his bank accounts were frozen is patently untrue,” the statement read.

“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.

“This is a premeditated attempt to blame President Muhammadu Buhari for something he knows nothing about.”

Shehu advised “well-meaning members of the public” to disregard the claims , which he said were false and poorly sourced to present a picture of vendetta.

“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,” he added.