by Emma Chidiogo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed disdain over the decision by President Goodluck Jonathan to embark on a foreign trip with former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, to Chad.

The Party condemned Jonathan’s act, stating that he cannot pretend that he never knew that the former governor have been in the news for being a perpetrator of the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, following allegations leveled against Sheriff by an Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis.

In a statement issued by the APC, the party’s spokesperson, Lai Mohammed said; “This action by President Jonathan confirms what the APC has always believed: That the President either knows more than he is willing to admit on the issue of those who are behind the Boko Haram insurgency or he is willing to sacrifice the battle against terrorism on the altar of political expediency. Either way, this action by the President is the height of indiscretion at best, or a palpable exhibition of callousness at worst”.

Lai Mohammed had in a statement yesterday said; “the President owes Nigerians an explanation on why he took Modu Sheriff to Chad, what the President knows about the allegation hanging on the former Governor’s neck concerning Boko Haram sponsorship and why his administration has not handed him (Sheriff) and Ihejirika to the International Criminal Court for investigation and possible prosecution, since it is now obvious that the Administration is unwilling to probe them”

The APC is guilty as the accused

In 2013, amidst accusations on Sheriff over his involvement with the militant group, the APC welcomed him into its fold when the party was formed. As at the time of APC’s formation, Sheriff was the chairman of the board of trustees of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). After the merger, he declared that he was for the APC.

Jonathan’s accusers

The APC is not the only ones who have pointed accusing fingers at Jonathan concerning his association with the militant group. Only few days ago, former minster of the FCT, Nasir El-Rufai, listed the president as a major sponsor of the group.

Also, earlier this year former governor of Lagos state, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, accused Jonathan of partnering with Boko Haram in the abduction of the over 200 Chibok Secondary School girls in Borno State.

In 2013, amidst the accusations on Sheriff over his involvement with the militant group, the APC welcomed him into its fold when the party was formed. At the time of APC’s formation, Sheriff was the chairman of the board of trustees of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). After the merger, he declared that he was for the APC.

Emmanuel Chidiogo