Jonathan has no plans to probe Obasanjo-Reuben Abati

The presidency has denied reports in the
media that it plans to probe the Obasanjo
Administration in reaction to former
president, Olusegun Obasanjo‘s “constant
criticisms of the Federal Government.”
This is contained in a statement signed by
presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati,
on Saturday.
The statement referred to the reports as
nonsensical and asked that it be dismissed
“by all right-thinking Nigerians as the
product of the fertile imagination of
mischievous political jobbers.”
The statement said that President Goodluck
Jonathan’s focus remained on assuring
peace, security, and stability across the
country; and creating the right conditions
for rapid socio-economic development and
that he would not be distracted by futile
attempts to drive a wedge between him and
other respected elders and leaders of his
party.
“What is more, President Jonathan regards
his Administration as a continuation of
the unbroken chain of PDP-led governments
started by Chief Obasanjo in 1999 which
have worked tirelessly to entrench
democratic governance and achieve rapid
socio-economic growth in the country,” the
statement read.
The President also expressed his great
respect for Mr. Obasanjo for notable
contributions to national growth and
development, adding that he always
welcomed advice the former president’s
objective criticism and advice.
Mr. Obasanjo, Nigerian president from 1999
to 2007, played a major role in Mr.
Jonathan’s emergence as running mate to
late Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007. He was also
one of the major backers of the president
in Mr. Jonathan’s 2011 elections.
He has, however, not hidden his discomfort
with the Jonathan administration
particularly on issues of security and
corruption, often publicly criticising the
presidency’s handling of such issues.
Despite the Jonathan administration’s
pledge not to probe the former president,
aides and minister’s that served under Mr.
Obasanjo are being prosecuted for actions
and decisions they took while in office.
Some of these include former Abuja
minister, Nasir El-Rufai, and former
Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode.