Former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has strongly denied media reports alleging that he accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of creating the Boko Haram insurgent group.
In a statement released on Saturday, titled “A Lie Taken Too Far: Shettima, Ali Modu Sheriff Are Not on War Path,” the former governor described the viral report as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to incite disunity among Nigerians.
“The attention of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, former Governor of Borno State and respected elder statesman, has been drawn to a false and malicious publication circulating online under the headline, ‘It’s Not Me, It’s Shettima Who Created Boko Haram Sheriff Reveals.’ The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” the statement read.
Senator Sheriff categorically stated that he never granted any interview or made any public comments linking Shettima to the formation of Boko Haram. He condemned the report as a dangerous act of fake news designed to tarnish his image and undermine his contributions to peace, national unity, and security.
“The Senator maintains his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security and stability and finds it deeply regrettable that unscrupulous individuals and platforms would resort to peddling falsehoods for cheap political gain,” the statement added.
Sheriff also disclosed that his legal team has been instructed to track down and take decisive legal action against those responsible for spreading the defamatory publication.
He urged Nigerians, particularly media practitioners, to verify information before circulation and to desist from amplifying politically motivated misinformation.
Reaffirming his respect for Vice President Shettima and other leaders, Sheriff maintained his dedication to truth, justice, and the unity of Nigeria.
