by Kolapo Olapoju

Following the appearance of #BringBackGoodluck2015 campaign banners and billboard in parts of Abuja, FCT, and the subsequent backlash and criticism of the President by Nigerians across board, his spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has released a statement condemning the billboard and distancing the presidency from the campaign.

A Pro-GEJ group called ‘Goodluck Initiative For Transformation’ reportedly put it together, imitating the #BringBackOurGirls, a hashtag developed to create awareness for the Chibok girls.

The Presidency has now given a directive that the banners should be brought down immediately.

Read below, the full statement released by Reuben Abati.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has directed that the #Bring Back Jonathan 2015 signs and banners around Abuja which he and many Nigerians find offensive and repugnant be brought down immediately.

President Jonathan wholly shares the widely expressed view that the signs which were put up without his knowledge or approval are a highly insensitive parody of the #Bring Back Our Girls hash tag.

While President Jonathan appreciates the enthusiastic show of support for his administration by a broad range of stakeholders, he condemns the #Bring Back Jonathan 2015 signs which appear to make light of the very serious national and global concern for the abducted Chibok girls.

The President assures all Nigerians and the international community that his administration remains fully engaged with efforts to rescue the abducted girls and that he will not knowingly promote any actions that will fly in the face of the seriousness of their plight and the anguish of their families.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 10, 2014

Kolapo Olapoju