Senator Ali Modu Sheriff Denies Allegations of Accusing Vice President Kashim Shettima
Former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has firmly denied claims that he accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of creating the Boko Haram insurgent group. In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, titled “A lie taken too far: Shettima, Ali Modu Sheriff are not on war path,” Sheriff described the publication as false, malicious, and misleading.
The statement emphasized that the report is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Sen. Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape.
“I wish to state unequivocally that at no time did I 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,” Sheriff stated.
Sheriff condemned the report as a dangerous piece of misinformation intended to undermine his record of promoting peace, national unity, and development in Borno State and across Nigeria. He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security and stability, expressing disappointment that some individuals and platforms would spread falsehoods for political gain or attention.
“Members of the public and the media are therefore urged to disregard this concocted story in its entirety and desist from further sharing or amplifying it. I have instructed my legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.”
He also warned that if the false publication is not retracted and taken down forthwith, he will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law.
Sheriff restated his dedication to truth, justice, and accountability, vowing to pursue legal action to ensure that those behind the misinformation are held accountable.
Key Points from the Statement
- The former governor categorically denied any involvement in the allegations against Vice President Kashim Shettima.
- Sheriff called the report a complete fabrication and urged the public to ignore it.
- He emphasized his commitment to promoting peace and national unity in Nigeria.
- Legal action is being considered against those responsible for spreading the false information.
- Sheriff encouraged the public and media to avoid sharing or amplifying the fabricated story.
Impact on Public Perception
The statement has sparked significant discussion among Nigerians, with many expressing concern over the spread of misinformation and its potential to destabilize the political environment. Sheriff’s firm stance against the false narrative highlights the importance of factual reporting and the need for responsible journalism.
Conclusion
Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s denial of the allegations against Vice President Kashim Shettima underscores the ongoing challenges of misinformation in today’s media landscape. His call for legal action serves as a reminder of the consequences of spreading false information and the importance of upholding truth and accountability in public discourse.