Modu Sheriff has finally responded to Stephen Davis (READ)

by James Sambo

Former Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff has denied claims by Australian Stephen Davis that he is a sponsor of the extremist Boko Haram sect.

Davis, who was contracted by the Federal Government to negotiate the freedom of the abducted Chibok girls with Boko Haram had claimed, in widely published interviews, that Sheriff and former Chief of Army Staff, Azubuike Ihejirika, are the main sponsors of the Islamists.

But speaking at a press conference organised on Wednesday to address the claims, Sheriff denied the claims and announced that he would sue Davis for defamation.

The ex-governor further described the allegations as “callous and unwarranted” and that those linking him with the sect are “either ignorant or completely out for mischief’.”

“I condole with the people of Borno, particularly the people of Bama, Gwoza and Gamboru over the recent attacks. My name has been mentioned for political reasons over the attacks of Boko Haram. I have been accused unfairly in connection with Boko Haram since I left office.

“For the records, let me state categorically that I do not share the same ideology with Boko Haram. By my nature, I am opposed to the philosophy of Boko Haram.

“The recent purported interview granted by Australian negotiator, Stephen Davies, could not avail the federal government of the information concerning the alleged sponsors of Boko Haram, but he sneaked out of the country to make false claims.

“It is instructive to point out that I have been one of the greatest victims of Borno. I was a target of Boko Haram during my time because I refused to abdicate my responsibility.

“Among those killed by Boko Haram was my younger brother, Alhaji Goni. Some of my friends and associates were killed in cold blood by Boko Haram.

“For the records, the late leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, once named me, Umaru Yar’Adua and some other leaders as targets. He boasted he would deal with all of us.

“I banned Boko Haram. I was the one who made a law that outlawed the group.

“The sect later changed its name. And in spite of our efforts, the group continued to wreak havoc.

“The sect has become captive of political forces and [has been] used for settling political scores.

“I have no association with any terrorists anywhere. I have never met the group. I cannot be a sponsor of a group I have not met before.

“Today, there are ten thousand members of Boko Haram terrorizing our people. All my actions as governor was to guide my people right.

“The fact that one of my commissioners, Buji Foi, was named as member of the group does not make me a member. It doesn’t make sense.

“I leave the rest for Nigerians to judge whether it is a crime to do good to all men.

“I will sue the Australian. I have instructed my lawyers to sue the faceless Australian.

“I don’t have foot soldiers, as they alleged. The allegation that some foot soldiers who turned against me became Boko Haram is not true.

“I am prepared to face any panel in the world to clear my name of Boko Haram.”

One comment

  1. If he is not their sponsor then why the mention of his name? Is he the only Borno politician? There is no smoke without a fire how I wish the nigerian government will learn their leason from the happenings in Niger despite your position you must face the wrath of the law

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