Have never been associated with Boko Haram or any violent sect – Sherriff

Former governor of Borno state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has stated that he has never had any dealings with the Boko Haram or with any other violent sect at anytime. He made the statement at a press conference in Abuja today while reacting to the accusation by an Australian hostage negotiator linking him and former […]

Former governor of Borno state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has stated that he has never had any dealings with the Boko Haram or with any other violent sect at anytime.

He made the statement at a press conference in Abuja today while reacting to the accusation by an Australian hostage negotiator linking him and former Chief of Army Staff, Azubuike Ihejirika with the activities of the sect which has generated rated widespread interest and controversies recently.

He said that he is ready to face any panel set up to investigate the allegations in order to prove his innocence adding that he had for a long time been linked to the sects activities by his detractors which necessitated his reaction to clear the air on the issue.

“I have restrained myself from joining issues with those making uncomplimentary comments about me regarding the Boko Haram crisis because I know that all right thinking Nigerians can see through the plot being employed to divert attention from the real issues at stake and to denigrate me in the eyes of the public, “he stated.

Sheriff said his name has been mentioned for political reasons over the happenings in Borno State and other  parts of the country since the 2009 Boko Haram incidence.

“I must say I have been utterly embarrassed by some of the negative comments, insinuations and unfounded accusations which were clearly misdirected, narrow and mischivious, “he added.

He noted that from the time he left office in 2001,he has been unfairly accused of having an agreement with the sect to implement the Sharia Law and he broke the promise which was allegedly why they decided to take up arms to implement.

The former governor added that his administration was also accused of not acting on security reports which allegedly gave the group the space to operate. “I wish to correct the misconceptions tenaciously held by some people that linked me with to the sect even when several evidences point to the contrary,” he stressed.

Details later…..