Presidency denies freezing Jonathan’s accounts

THE Presidency has denied an allegation that allowances due to a former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan  have been stopped and his bank accounts  frozen.

Senior Special Assistant (media), to the President  Mr. Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja, on Friday, said there was no iota of truth in the allegation that has allegedly led to protests in Bayelsa State.

He said the presidency had confirmed with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) that the former President and the other past leaders were paid their allowances up to the second quarter of this year.

He explained that the past leaders have not been paid the third quarter allowances but would get their dues when remittances are received by the SGF from the Ministry of Finance.

He said, ”Also, the story of account closure is false. It is not known to the investigation agencies.

He said: “The allegation by demonstrators in Bayelsa State on Thursday that allowances due to a former President have been stopped and his bank accounts were frozen is patently untrue.

“We have confirmed with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) that the former President and the other past leaders were paid their allowances up to the second quarter.

“The past leaders have not been paid third quarter allowances but will get their dues when remittances are received by the SGF from the Ministry of Finance.

“Also, the story of account closure is false. It is not known to the investigation agencies.

“The National Security Adviser  is not aware of this bank account closure; the DG SSS is unaware of it, the EFCC is unaware and the IG of Police is not in the know.

“With all of these agencies not being involved, how then could a thing like that happen? In a dream perhaps!

“To put it starkly, we believe there is a clear motive for the demonstration that is different from that which was being canvassed.

“This is a premeditated attempt to blame President Muhammadu Buhari for something he knows nothing about.

“These claims are false and poorly sourced to present a picture of vendetta; and they should be disregarded by well-meaning members of the public.

“President Buhari remains committed to the ideals of justice and fairness to all irrespective of creed, religion and political leanings. His administration will not engage in vendetta,” he stated.