The Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati has said that the reports of President Jonathan being ill are false, malicious and sponsored by an opposition leader with presidential ambition.
Abati made the clarification via telephone from Germany as he escorted the President on a private visit there.
Abati said, “Before leaving Nigeria, I issued a statement that the President will be embarking on a private visit to Germany with a few of his aides.
“On Saturday, I sent out a statement that the President spoke with the Falconets on the telephone. I also sent out the video and audio of his conversation with the players where he promised to stay awake and watch the final match.
“The NTA and some other broadcasting stations aired the video and audio.
“There are also photographs out there showing the President when he was leaving Nigeria and when he was arriving Germany.
“The President is hale and hearty. In fact, he is treating files in his hotel room.
“Are these not enough proofs that Mr. President is not sick as they want Nigerians to believe?
“It is important to note that the publisher of the newspaper that has been writing this false report is a chieftain of an opposition party who also have an ambition to be President.”
President Jonathan is expected back in Nigeria today.