While Goodluck Jonathan was acting as president of Nigeria, in October 2010 shortly before the Presidential elections, there was a large bomb blast during independence celebrations in Abuja. Immediately after the attack, before an investigation was ever conducted by Nigeria's security services, the President suddenly categorically exonerated MEND terrorists of involvement. This was a SERIOUS and dangerous submission, within hours after a bomb attack and before any evidence could have been fully investigated. This suggested prior knowledge of the attack and prompted questions of why if it was known by the President, the people were not protected and given advanced warning. Jonathan blamed northern elements for this bombing, seeking to utilize it to his advantage for political gains. The bombing appeared to 'favor' him.
