In a firm response to recent allegations making the rounds online, Ali Modu Sheriff denies accusing VP Shettima of creating Boko Haram, describing the claims as false, malicious, and deliberately misleading. The former governor of Borno State made this clarification in a strongly worded statement released in Abuja on Saturday, stressing that he has never made any comment linking Vice President Kashim Shettima to the Boko Haram insurgency. Right from the start, Ali Modu Sheriff denies accusing VP Shettima of creating Boko Haram, setting the record straight and urging Nigerians to disregard what he termed a “lie taken too far.”
According to Sheriff, the publication, which alleged he had blamed Shettima for founding Boko Haram, is entirely fabricated and devoid of truth. He emphasized that he did not grant any interview, issue any press statement, or engage any journalist on such matters. The former governor expressed dismay that certain individuals and media outlets would stoop so low as to publish baseless stories simply to tarnish his image and fuel political tension.
“The publication is a complete fabrication, designed to mislead the public, malign my person, and sow discord within Nigeria’s political landscape,” Sheriff declared. Reiterating his stance, Ali Modu Sheriff denies accusing VP Shettima of creating Boko Haram, labeling the story a calculated attempt to damage reputations and destabilize the peace efforts he has championed over the years.
Sheriff further described the fake report as not only mischievous but also dangerous to national unity and peace. He reminded Nigerians of his long-standing contributions to stability, development, and security, both in Borno State and across the country. He stated that it was deeply unfortunate that some individuals and media platforms would resort to spreading such falsehoods in pursuit of political relevance or online traffic.
“The public and the media are therefore advised to completely disregard this concocted story and refrain from sharing or amplifying it,” Sheriff said. He also revealed that his legal team had been instructed to track down all individuals, bloggers, and platforms responsible for circulating the defamatory material. Should the publication not be retracted immediately, he warned, legal action would be taken without hesitation.
Expressing confidence in the judicial system, Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to truth, justice, and accountability. He maintained that misinformation of this kind should not be allowed to go unpunished, as it undermines the values of transparency and mutual respect in Nigeria’s political space.
Sheriff used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to be more discerning about the information they consume online. He urged journalists and bloggers to prioritize professionalism and fact-checking over sensationalism, reminding them that false reporting can cause unnecessary tension and damage reputations.
In conclusion, Ali Modu Sheriff denies accusing VP Shettima of creating Boko Haram and stands firm on his record of service to Nigeria. He assured the public that he remains dedicated to the cause of peace, stability, and unity in the country, while vowing to ensure that those behind the defamatory publication are held accountable. Sheriff’s statement serves as both a warning against fake news and a reaffirmation of his enduring commitment to truth and justice.