Leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, has denied allegation that he masterminded the bombing in Kaduna that almost killed former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.)

Asari, who spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the allegation was part of a ploy by those behind the attack to rubbish him ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Speaking through the national chairman of his group, Aladiokuma Hart, Asari alleged that the same group behind the allegation masterminded his arrest in Benin Republic because of the coming general polls.

Challenging those behind the allegation to substantiate their claim, Asari said he was sure the same persons organised the bomb blast with an intention to score what he termed cheap political goals.

The government said: “We want to categorically state that anybody carrying this sort of rumour should be ready to stand and testify when called upon with facts and figures, date, time and (the) venue that he or she knows how Alhaji Dokubo-Asari masterminded the attack.

“They should come out in the open and stop using the media as a grapevine for defamation of character. They are all drowning people looking for what to take hold of in their failed mission.”

Condemning the killings by Boko Haram, the group further reaffirmed its support for the second term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to the group, “we will stand behind our brother, President Jonathan, to run for a second term come 2015 and call on him to declare his intention to be re-elected into office and continue his transformation agenda for the good of the nation.”