Photo: Ali Modu Sheriff Breaks Down in Tears Defending Himself at Abuja Press Conference

GAS

Former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, broke down in tears today at a press conference while trying to absolve himself from having any link with the dreaded Boko Haram Islamist sect – saying instead, the terror group is actually out to kill him.

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. More…


His denial comes a day after the APC called for his handover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation and prosecution.

On Sunday August 31, an interview where Australian hostage negotiator Stephen Davis, revealed details alleging that Sheriff and Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, former chief of army staff, are sponsors of Boko Haram, was made public.

However, during the press conference today – Sheriff questioned the identity of the Australian negotiator. He 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 said.

“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. 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.

“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 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.
  Crocodile tears if you ask me
Source My sugardaily.