Former Borno governor Ali Modu Sheriff has denied claims he accused Vice-President Kashim Shettima of creating Boko Haram, calling the report a “complete fabrication” and threatening legal action against its publishers.
Ali Modu Sheriff, former governor of Borno State, has refuted reports alleging that he accused Vice-President Kashim Shettima of creating Boko Haram, describing the claim as “false, malicious, and dangerous,” according to TheCable reporting.
A publication circulating online had quoted Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.” Checks by TheCable show the report first appeared in August 2016.
In a statement released on Saturday, Sheriff said the story was a “complete fabrication” intended to mislead the public and incite political tension. “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,” the statement read.
He stressed that he never granted any interview or made such remarks, adding that the false report was an attempt to tarnish his image and undermine his commitment to peace and unity. Sheriff also directed his legal team to trace and prosecute those responsible.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law,” his media office said.
Sheriff reaffirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s stability and democratic values.