Former Governor of Borno State, Sen Ali Modu Sheriff has denied allegations made by Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis, linking him to the terrorist sect, Boko Haram.
He stated this at press conference in Abuja today. Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff who recently decamped from the All Progressive Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also accused the leadership of the APC as the brain behind the whole campaign to smear his name and that Nigerians would soon know the identities of the real Boko Haram sponsors.
“I do not share the ideology of Boko Haram sect, which is against western education, or any other sect with similar ideology.” He further added that available records indicate that the Boko Haram sect predates his administration.
At the briefing, Senator Sheriff pointed out that he could not have been a part of Boko Haram, as he is one of the greatest victims of the activities of the sect. “I suffered considerable personal losses from the activities of the sect. they killed my younger brother, my brother in-law, my candidate for the gubernatorial election in 2011 and many of my bosom friends and associates” he stated.
While at the briefing, he made it clear that he had instructed his lawyers to sue the Australian negotiator, (Stephen Davis) who had accused him of being a Boko Haram sponsor. “I have already instructed my lawyers to sue the faceless Australian. We have already written to track him anywhere,” he declared.
On the source of the allegations, Sen. Sherrif said it was curious as to why the said interview was available only to Arise TV and Thisday newspaper both of which are owned by the same person. “Why couldn’t other viewers in London have access to the controversial interview? Of what particular interest is the said Davis in the politics of Nigeria that he rose in defense of prominent APC leaders?” he asked.
He further stated that his defection from the APC to the PDP has indeed ruffled some feathers and hence the callous campaign against his person. Sen. Sherrif said he is “compelled to correct Chief Oyegun’s (APC Chairman) faulty generalization and judgmental attitude in acting out this well-rehearsed script, conceived, written and directed by the APC.”
Sen Sherrif also denied the allegation that he entered into an agreement with the sect to implement Sharia Law in the state. He said “Late Mala Kachalla introduced Sharia Law in the state in 2000 through the Borno State Sharia Adminsitration of Justice Law 2000.” He went further to state that the former governor (Mala Kachalla) appointed the Borno State Sharia Law Implementation Committee in February 2001 under the chairmanship of Professor Abubakar Mustapha. “Interestingly the late Mohammed Yusuf, leader of the Boko Haram sect, was a member of the committee among other Islamic scholars.” He added.
On his relationship with the late Boko Haram leader (Mohammed Yusurf) he denied ever meeting him “As a fact, I did not know him. I saw him for the first and last time when he was captured by the military and I was invited to see him in their custody.” he said.
It would be recalled that the late Mohammed Yusuf later died in the custody of security operatives after his capture.
See below for the letter of appointment into the Borno State Sharia Law Implementation Committee, dated 1st February 2001.
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