I’m a Victim Not A Sponsor of Boko Haram – Ali Modu Sheriff

Former Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff has said that contrary to the general perception of Nigerians, he is a victim and not a sponsor of the dreaded terrorist group Boko Haram.

Sherriff made this known in Press Conference at Abuja following allegations by Australian Stephen Davies that he is the major financier of the sect.

Sequel to the revealation by Davies who claims to be a negotiator for Boko Haram, the All Progressives Congress called a Press Conference on Tuesday demanding the President hand over Sherriff to the International Criminal Court for prosecution.

But at a media briefing in Abuja, Wednesday, Sheriff rebuked Davies for attempting to link him with the actions of the Boko Haram sect, alleging that the Australian was acting the script prepared by some selfish politicians, who wanted to smear him for defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party.

The former Governor said he has been a victim after losing his cousin and several of his loyal supporters to the Islamic sect.

He also denied ever meeting and supporting the slain leader of the Boko Haram sect, Mohammed Yusuf, pointing out that his brand of Islam did not tally with that of the sect.

He said his career as a successful International Business man before venturing into politics is enough to dissuade from any association with any act of terrorism.

“While in office as governor, I did my best to curtail the activities of the sect. I have never associated myself with any terrorist in any part of the world. I have never in my life met Mohammed Yusuf, the leader of the Boko Haram sect, who died in circumstances that are being investigated,” Sheriff said..