Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, who maintained that Jonathan was not averse to reconciling with his estranged political godfather, added that Clark’s letter would not jeopardize the planned peace moves initiated by the PDP BoT.
He added that Jonathan had to reluctantly reply Obasanjo’s letter because of the weighty issues raised and because he specifically requested for one.
He said, “The planned intervention by PDP BoT is a welcome development. I have told you before that the President is always available for reconciliation with everybody.
“He holds no grudge with anyone. He holds Chief Obasanjo in high esteem. He had to reluctantly reply his letter because of the weighty allegations in it and because he [the former president] specifically requested for one”.
On Clark’s letter, the presidential aide said, “Chief Clark’s letter will not aggravate the situation. Everybody is entitled to his opinion.
“Chief Clark is even older than Obasanjo. He is a veteran in politics. So he has the constitutional right to express his opinion.
“The President is the President while Clark is Clark. He is not an official of the government, so he cannot be said to be speaking for the President. He has exercised his right of expression just like every other Nigerian”.