Ex-Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff today denied allegations
him that he is one of the main sponsors of the Islamic fundamentalist sect,
Boko Haram. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Sheriff threatened to sue Stephen
Davies, the Australian negotiator who recently claimed that the militants
named him as one of their sponsors. He also expressed preparedness to face
any panel in the world to clear his name.
“I have no association with any terrorists anywhere,” he declared. “I have
never met the group. I cannot be a sponsor of a group I have not met before.
I don't have foot soldiers, as they alleged.”
The former governor described the allegations against him as unfair, saying
they are being peddled for political reasons, and pointing out that he has
suffered from the sect’s activities and was at a time even targeted for
elimination.
“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,” he said.
“For the records, let me state categorically that I do not share the same
ideology with Boko Haram,” he declared, adding that by his nature he is
opposed to the philosophy of the militants
“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”.
Sheriff recalled that his younger brother, Alhaji Goni, was killed by Boko
Haram, as have some of his friends and associates.
“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,” Sheriff continued.
He recalled that he even banned Boko Haram and outlawed the group but that
the sect later changed its name and continued to wreak havoc.
“Those linking me with the sect are either ignorant or completely out for
mischief. The sect has become captive of political forces and used for settling
political scores.”
The former governor also dismissed the allegation that some foot soldiers who
turned against me became Boko Haram, noting that there are now ten
thousand members of Boko Haram terrorising the people. He stressed that all
of his actions as governor were to guide his people right.
“The fact that one of my commissioners, Buji Koi 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.”
SOURCE:
SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK

Ops,
Too long joor . My eyes dey pepper me . Biko summarize,i dey come back come comment.

You don't know them? First lie: u were governor when they started? How come you haven't come in contact with them? Were you not the one that described them to Yar'adua before he ordered for their elimination? You said you don't know them but you know they have 10 thousand men. I'm not saying you sponsor them, but stop lying to us, we are bigger than that. You must've had a hand in their emergence before they got out of hand. And about being a good man and you don't share similarity with BH, that's a bad lie, you are the one that almost beat up Tinubu, that's BH approach, VIOLENCE. You've never condemned their actions publicly and whenever you go to Borno, you always play the Lord Marshal. Just tell us the truth, GEJ will not do anything to you. He knows.

.