Ali Modu Sheriff, a former governor of Borno State, has said he has no link with the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, saying instead the terror group is actually out to kill him.
A Perth-based international adviser, Stephen Davis, who for about four months was involved in negotiations on behalf of the Federal Government with commanders of the Islamist sect for the release of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by the terror group last April, alleged that Sheriff and Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, former chief of army staff, are sponsors of Boko Haram.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Sheriff, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the allegations are the handiwork of mischief makers.
His denial comes a day after the APC called for his handover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation and prosecution.
The former governor questioned the identity of the Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis, said to have been hired by the Federal Government to negotiate the release of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State.
Sheriff wondered why the negotiator remains faceless till date and refused to submit his report to the government that reportedly appointed him. “I have instructed my lawyers to find and sue the faceless Australian,” he affirmed
These were what he said;
"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." Continue.
"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," he says. "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 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."
"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."
He acknowledged that he was recently invited by the State Security Service (SSS) but it had nothing to do with Boko Haram.
"I am prepared to face any panel in the world to clear my name of Boko Haram."
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