PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Abuja denounced the statement credited to his National Security Adviser that the
“undemocratic’’ nature of the ruling the PDP, led to the emergence of the militant Boko Haram sect.
On national televison stations and as reported by some dailies, the National Security Adviser, retired Gen. Patrick Azazi, asserted that “the emergence of undemocratic elements in the PDP led to the creation of militant groups like the Boko Haram sect.”
Responding to questions from reporters after visiting the premises of ThisDay Newspapers building bombed on Thursday, President
Jonathan said the Security Adviser might have been misquoted by the media.
“So, until I read it, I don’t believe that the NSA means that the practices in the PDP are anti-democratic.
“I cannot comment much about what happened in the First Republic, but the aborted Second Republic that I marginally participated, and this Third Republic that I am a key actor, presently as a member of the first eleven, I still see that the PDP is one of the most democratic parties.
“So, I don’t believe that it is undemocratic practice in the PDP that could give rise to Boko Haram or any other group.
“So, probably, people need to ask NSA to explain what he really meant, but I read it from the papers. I don’t believe it is undemocratic
practices in the PDP could give birth to this or any other militant groups.’’
On the bombed building of Thisday Newspapers, Jonathan called on all Nigerians to join hands with the government in fighting the menace of terror groups in the country. According to him, any terror attack on any part of the country is a terror attack on all Nigerians and indeed the whole world.
On whether government should dialogue with the Boko Haram sect or not, the president said the two options could be possible
depending on the prevailing circumstances.
He reiterated the determination of his administration to address the challenges posed by terror groups in the country, saying that he would not totally rule out dialogue with members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
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