The Presidency on Monday denied reports circulating on social media that the Federal Government had budgeted N3 billion for the transition committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan.

President Jonathan set up the transition committee headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo and charged with the responsibility of ensuring a smooth transition from Jonathan to the President-elect, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

A social media message that went viral on Monday had claimed that during a meeting between the President and the President-elect, The President had said N3 billion would be spent on his transition committee while Buhari was reported to have said that members of his own committee were volunteers who won’t be paid.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, however said no such meeting or conversation took place, describing the message as pure fiction or blackmail that can only emanate from a charlatan.

“This is pure fiction and blackmail. No such meeting or conversation ever took place. Whoever wrote the copy obviously has never heard of being magnanimous in victory. A charlatan certainly,” the presidential spokesman said.

The social media message titled “Now I’m convinced we didn’t make a mistake,” read, “Buhari was at the villa in connection to setting up a transition committee for handing over. At the meeting, Goodluck asked for the list of representatives of APC and the required remuneration.

“Buhari was surprised that Goodluck’s list and corresponding cost was put at N3 billion for a job estimated to last only 2 months. Goodluck then asked why Buhari’s list didn’t show corresponding cost?

“Buhari answered that his team was made up of volunteers and their feeding would be by individuals/self even if they have to bring in leftover food from their homes. No word has been heard from presidency since then.

“This is the beginning of purposeful leadership.”