I’m not a sponsor of Boko Haram, says Ali Modu Sheriff

Ali Modu Sheriff, a former governor of Borno State, has said he has no link with the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, saying instead the terror group is actually out to kill him.

A Perth-based international adviser, Stephen Davis, who for about four months was involved in negotiations on behalf of the Federal Government with commanders of the Islamist sect for the release of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by the terror group last April, alleged that Sheriff and Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, former chief of army staff, are sponsors of Boko Haram.

Addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Sheriff, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the allegations are the handiwork of mischief makers.

His denial comes a day after the APC called for his handover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation and prosecution.

The former governor questioned the identity of the Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis, said to have been hired by the Federal Government to negotiate the release of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State.

Sheriff wondered why the negotiator remains faceless till date and refused to submit his report to the government that reportedly appointed him. “I have instructed my lawyers to find and sue the faceless Australian,” he affirmed. Detail later…

OWEDE AGBAJILEKE