Jonathan not booed in South Africa

The Presidency on Sunday described as “unfortunate and absolutely untrue” a report that President Goodluck Jonathan was jeered during the inauguration ceremony of President Jacob Zuma in South Africa.

A statement issued in Abuja by the presidential spokesperson, Dr Reuben Abati, said the allegation in the media report was the handiwork of detractors.

He said officials in the Presidency were shocked to read the report on arrival in the country from South Africa on Saturday evening.

“This is absolutely untrue and those who are peddling that kind of misinformation are being unfair.

“They are being uncharitable and it fits into an ongoing attempt to throw just about anything at this administration in an attempt to discredit the administration.

“If anything, what we witnessed in South Africa was that the people of South Africa showed much appreciation of President Jonathan’s presence at the inauguration ceremony,” Abati said.

He said President Jonathan received great hospitality in terms of the response from the people at the ceremony.

“The whole world recognises the challenge we face in Nigeria at the moment in relation to the abduction of the girls and the challenge of terrorism.

“The outrage is shared both by Nigerians and other people all over the world. But the world also realises that terrorism is a global challenge,” he said.

Abati reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to rescuing the schoolgirls and overcoming the challenge of terrorism.

“This administration will continue to show a great resolve to deal with this problem. The momentum is on.

“The categorical message from government is `No!’ to Boko Haram, `No!’ to terrorism.

“The people of Nigeria are calling on the terrorists to release the girls. Government is saying that it will do everything within its power, explore all options and leave no stone unturned to ensure that our girls are brought back.

“In that regard, there is a meeting of minds and Nigerians can be very sure that President Jonathan is really committed to this effort to ensure that the girls are brought back and safely,” he said.