In a fervent rebuttal to allegations made by former British Prime Minister David Cameron in his book, For the Record, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has firmly denied claims of corruption and rejecting British assistance in the rescue of the kidnapped Chibok Girls. Jonathan expressed dismay at Cameron's statements, asserting that they are not only false but also contradict historical facts.
Jonathan recalled the tragic abduction of the Chibok Girls on April 14, 2014, and emphasized his immediate outreach to international leaders, including then-Prime Minister David Cameron, US President Barack Obama, French President François Hollande, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking their support. He questioned the logic behind appealing for help and then allegedly rejecting it, calling such claims "sad" and "untrue."
Further refuting Cameron's assertions, Jonathan highlighted a precedent set during his presidency when he authorized a joint rescue operation with British forces to save British and Italian hostages abducted by Boko Haram-linked terrorists in Sokoto on March 8, 2012. This historical instance of cooperation underscores Jonathan's willingness to accept international help in crisis situations, countering Cameron's narrative.
Jonathan also pointed to the secret deployment of UK, US, and Israeli troops to Nigeria following the Chibok incident, questioning how Cameron could overlook such significant international collaboration. Moreover, Jonathan referenced a March 8, 2017, statement from the British Government under Theresa May, which debunked similar allegations previously made by Cameron, highlighting the inconsistency in Cameron's claims.
In addressing the personal attacks on his leadership, Jonathan refuted the accusation of appointing generals based on political considerations, citing his record of twice replacing service chiefs within five years to ensure progress in the fight against terrorism. He emphasized his commitment to merit-based appointments, irrespective of ethnic or political affiliations.
Jonathan suggested that Cameron's allegations may stem from personal grievances, particularly recalling Cameron's ambition to promote same-sex marriage globally, a stance that clashed with Jonathan's administration. Despite intense pressure from the Cameron administration to adopt LGBTQ legislation, Jonathan stood firm in his commitment to Nigerian values and interests.
In conclusion, Jonathan's response not only challenges the veracity of Cameron's claims but also sheds light on the complexities and international dimensions of the Chibok Girls' rescue efforts, underscoring his administration's proactive stance and collaborative approach in addressing terrorism.
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