Being the text of the World Press Conference by Former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff over link with Boko Haram on Wednesday in Abuja
Gentlemen of the Press, I am constrained to address you today happenings in some sections of the media, so as to correct the erroneous and mischievous impressions being created about my person. I have restrained myself from joining issues with those making uncomplimentary comments about me regarding the Boko Haram crisis because I know that all right thinking Nigerians can see through the plot being employed to divert attention from the real issues at stake and to denigrate me in the eyes of the public. As you are aware, my name is being mentioned for obvious political reasons as a culprit over the unfortunate happenings in Borno State and some parts of the country, especially from the 2009 Boko Haram episode to date. I must say that I have been utterly embarrassed by some of the negative comments, insinuations and unfounded accusations, which were clearly misdirected, narrow and mischievous From the time I left office in 2011, I had been unfairly accused of so many things in connection with the Boko Haram sect.
Firstly, I was accused of entering into an agreement with the sect to implement Sharia Law in the State so as to support my candidacy during the gubernatorial election in 2003 and that I broke that promise, which was why they resorted to armed struggle as a strategy to implement it. Secondly, I was accused of having linkage with the sect and thirdly, my Administration was also accused of not acting on security reports related to their activities, which was believed to have given the group the space to operate and cause the mayhem experienced. I wish to correct the misconception tenaciously held by some people that linked me to the sect even when several evidences point to the contrary. Ordinarily, I would have continued in my silence, but the smear campaign seems to be assuming a life of its own with the recent purported interview granted by a’ supposed Australian, Stephen Davis, whose identity remains suspect,.
Davis claimed to be working for the Federal Government but could not even avail the same Government which hired him the report of his findings, or speak to the Nigerian media, but rather sneaked out to purportedly speak to a third rate television station, ARISE.
The posers here are; why was the face of the said Davis not shown in all three interviews he granted? It is rather curious that the said interview was available only to,THISDAY newspapers both of which owned by the same person. Why couldn’t other viewers in London have access to the controversial interview? Of what particular interest is the said Davis in the politics of Nigeria that he rose in defence of prominent APC leaders? Is the Australian a negotiator, an investigator, an anti graft agent, a reporter, a judge or a mere gadfly?
I also take particular exception to remarks credited to the national Chairman of the APC, John Odegie Oyegun, in his press conference of Tuesday 2nd September, 2014. As much as I do not consider changing ones’ political party as an anathema, I am particularly concerned that, my defection from the APC into the PDP seems to further galvanize my detractors who have converted the matter into a political weapon .. Even as the brain behind the whole charade, the All Progressive Party, APC, in its seeming desperation to retain my membership went rather too far in its political mudslinging. I consider it most uncharitable for the party, to use me as an alibi for the obvious culpability of some of its members.
As much as I do not want to politicize such a various serious issue like security, I am compelled to correct Chief Oyegun’s faulty generalizations, and judgmental attitude in acting out this well rehearsed script, conceived, written and directed by the APC. It has never been a secret that one of the most disturbing developments to the APC of late, is the massive departure of very prominent members, including my humble self. But this is not enough to warrant the callous campaigns against me or any person for that matter.
