A Denial of Accusations Against Vice President Kashim Shettima
Former Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, has strongly denied allegations that he accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of creating the Boko Haram insurgent group. In a statement released on Saturday, Sheriff labeled a circulating online report as “false and malicious.” The headline of the publication, “It’s Not Me, It’s Shettima Who Created Boko Haram – Sheriff Reveals,” was described by Sheriff as a complete fabrication intended to mislead the public and damage his reputation.
Sheriff emphasized that he never gave any interview or made any comments accusing Shettima of being responsible for the emergence of Boko Haram. He stated that the report was the work of individuals who aim to create division and stir political tensions.
Both Sheriff and Shettima served as governors of Borno State. Sheriff held office from 2003 to 2011, while Shettima took over and governed until 2019. In response to the report, Sheriff reiterated that he had no involvement in the claims and urged Nigerians to disregard the false information.
The statement from Sheriff’s office said, “The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape.”
He further clarified, “Senator Sheriff categorically denies ever making such a statement and wishes to state unequivocally that at no time did he grant any interview or engage with any journalist on the said date or on any matter remotely related to the spurious claims contained in the publication.”
The former governor highlighted that the report is not only misleading but also dangerous. He argued that it aims to undermine the years of contributions Sheriff has made toward peace, national unity, and development in Borno State and across Nigeria.
Sheriff expressed his commitment to upholding truth, justice, and accountability. He added that he has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify those responsible for spreading the defamatory material.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law,” the statement concluded.
Key Points from the Statement
- Sheriff denied any involvement in the accusations against Shettima.
- He described the report as a fabrication meant to mislead the public.
- Both leaders served as governors of Borno State, with Sheriff serving from 2003 to 2011 and Shettima from 2011 to 2019.
- Sheriff urged Nigerians to disregard the false information.
- He emphasized his commitment to truth and justice.
- Legal action is being considered if the report is not retracted.