Maku: I never said Jonathan is behind Boko Haram

Labaran Maku, the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nasarawa state, has again pledged his loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Accusing his detractors of trying to create disaffection between him and the president, Maku urged his supporters to vote massively for the president during the forthcoming election.

In a statement issued by Zakari Edego, director publicity, Maku campaign organisation, the former minister of information commended Jonathan for trying to restore normalcy to the troubled parts of the north.

“It has come to the notice of the Maku Campaign Organisation that a false and mischievous report is on circulation in the social media purporting that the APGA governorship candidate for Nasarawa state in the February election, Mr. Labaran Maku, said that President Goodluck is the sponsor behind Boko Haram,” the statement read.

“This story is obviously a lie from the pit of hell and was planted by the enemies of President Jonathan and Mr. Maku’ s detractors. The main objective of this fabrication is to cause mischief, disaffection and confusion.

“Maku has and will continue to be an ardent supporter of President Jonathan and his transformation agenda. It is disgusting that some actors have tried to use the violence in the north to malign Mr. President for cheap political ends.

“President Jonathan cannot and should not be blamed for the violence in the north, rather he should be commended for his effort in bringing the violence under control.

“The victory of Mr. Maku on the platform of APGA in the upcoming election is certain because he stands far and above all the contestants in terms of leadership attributes and the broad-based support required to rescue Nasarawa state from the brinks and return it to the path of peace, unity and sustainable development.”

Maku defected to APGA after losing the bid to secure the ticket of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His action drew the ire of the party, and many of its leaders described him as an ingrate.

During the re-election campaign of Jonathan in Lafia, Ahmadu Ali, director-general of PDP presidential campaign, rained curses on Maku, saying he went to APGA to divide the votes of PDP.

In turn, Maku dismissed Ali’s allegation, saying the party was afraid because it knew that he stood better chances than Yusuf Agabi, who beat him to secure the ticket of PDP.