News

Some People Are Just After My Downfall -Jonathan

Published

9 years ago

August 19, 2016

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to allegations an investigation is on over allegations linking him to the Niger Delta Avengers.Jonathan in a statement released by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, said the reports that the Federal Government was probing him was untrue saying some misguided people to pull him down at all costs by linking him with the militants

The statement reads

“Our attention has been drawn to two stories entitled “report links Jonathan to Niger Delta Avengers” and “FG probes Jonathan over N/Delta bombings’ published in some newspapers, of Thursday, August 18, 2016, with the claim that some intelligence reports had linked Jonathan to the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta.
“We obviously would have ignored the allegation, having responded recently to the exact same fabrication peddled by a shady militant group, but for the new dimension of bringing in the authorities, while hiding under the often-abused journalism latitude of quoting nebulous sources.
“Firstly, we note that there were similarities in the stories published same day by the newspapers that are too striking to pass the test of the normal newsroom process of diligent reporting and independent investigation.

“We are convinced that such clear coincidences are only permissible in situations where general statements are issued, but not on matters of intelligence/security reports which do not fly into newsrooms as press releases.
“We are also concerned that the stories did not differ in content and substance from the trite allegations earlier made by the so- called Reformed Niger Delta Avengers over the same lies of linking Jonathan to the militants.

“For instance, we are amazed that newspapers would be quick to report that the intelligence gathering was said to be a confirmation of a similar claim by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND”, even without subjecting such frivolity to any ethical interrogation.
“From what we know about intelligence gathering, there is no responsible government agency that would rush, as claimed in the stories, to adopt the accusations of a questionable rebellious organization as its own findings, without applying the professional processes of rigour and due diligence.

“It is sad that the publications wore the cloak of deceit from same misguided characters that are hell-bent on pulling down the former President, despite his clear record of diligent service to his country and long standing commitment to the good of society.
“There is no doubt that there exist such people who may have scores to settle with the former President but are now feeling frustrated by the fact that his national and international profile has continued to rise, despite their recourse to less- muck- raking character assassination.

“Such people will stop at nothing to continue to throw obstacles, albeit futilely, on his path. “We are aware that the same people approached other well-meaning newspapers with the same false information, but they were wise to turn it down on account of its absurdity.

“Our media houses should then be careful not to make the country a laughing stock by being hoodwinked into passing off the perverted voices of irritant groups as that of our well respected official security authorities. “Apart from toying with the serious issue of libel, those newspapers lending themselves to be so cheaply used by miscreants, are also doing gross disservice to our collective good and the image of the country.”

Foreign

President Tinubu Warns Israel Over Attacks On Iran

Published

5 days ago

June 14, 2025

lagoslately

President Bola Tinubu led administration has condemned Israel’s recent strike on Iran, describing it as a move that has dangerously escalated tensions between the two nations.

In a statement issued Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the FG expressed deep concern over the intensifying hostilities, which have involved sustained missile and aerial attacks exchanged between Iran and Israel.

The FG called for an immediate end to the violence and urged both countries to show maximum restraint.

According to the statement, continued retaliation risks not only civilian lives but also threatens to destabilise the wider Middle East, with serious consequences for international peace and economic stability.

“The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran that has led to an escalation of hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, marked by sustained missile and aerial exchanges across both territories.

“Nigeria expresses its grave concern and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace.

“The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development,” MFA stated.

Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence and diplomatic resolution of conflicts, the FG emphasised the importance of dialogue over confrontation.

The government also called on the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to step up efforts to de-escalate the situation and facilitate meaningful negotiations between the parties involved.

“Military action is not a substitute for negotiation,” the statement read, stressing that enduring peace must be built on diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.

Nigeria pledged its support for all sincere efforts aimed at restoring calm and fostering peace in the region.

“As a nation deeply committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria calls on all involved to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.

“We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement.

“The path to lasting peace lies in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law. Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region,” the statement added.

On Friday, Israel launched a major air campaign targeting around 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear and military facilities, killing several senior Iranian military leaders.

The strikes, marking one of the most significant escalations between the two countries in recent years, triggered widespread international reactions urging calm and diplomacy to prevent further conflict.

Among those killed were Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei called Israel’s wave of strikes a “declaration of war”, as he warned Israel it faced a “bitter and painful” fate over the attacks, while the Iranian military said there were “no limits” to its response.