I Have No Intention Of Probing Obj....Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan  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.