Jonathan: I wasn't booed in South Africa

President Goodluck Jonathan has denied that he was booed by South Africans during the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma at the weekend.

A media report had it that Jonathan was greeted with shouts of "bring back our girls" when he arrived at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, where Zuma
was inaugurated for a second term.

But presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, told journalists in Abuja late Saturday night that the report was absolutely untrue, saying those behind it were being unfair and uncharitable.

According to him, the report fits into an ongoing attempt to throw just about anything at Jonathan's administration in an attempt to discredit it.

Abati, who said South Africans appreciated Jonathan's presence and showed him great hospitality at the inauguration ceremony, noted that Nigeria and South Africa had very strong bilateral relations in many areas.
He added: "The whole world recognises the challenge that we face in Nigeria at the moment in
relation to the abduction of the girls and the challenge of terrorism.

Yes, the out rage is shared both by Nigerians and other people all over the world, but the world also realises that terrorism is a global challenge, and this administration continues to show a great resolve to deal with the problem.

"And the momentum is on...government is saying
categorically, no to Boko Haram, no to terrorism and the people of Nigeria are calling on the terrorists to release the girls.

And government is saying that it'll do everything within its power, explore all options, leave no stone unturned to ensure that our girls are brought back.

In that regard, there is a meeting of minds and Nigerians can be very sure that President Jonathan is really committed to this effort to ensure that the girls are brought back and safely too".