Former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has refuted claims that he accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of founding the Boko Haram terrorist group.
In a statement released on Saturday, Sheriff described the report, which appeared online under the headline “It’s Not Me, It’s Shettima Who Created Boko Haram Ins – Sheriff Reveals,” as false, malicious, and designed to damage his reputation.
The former governor, who led Borno State from 2003 to 2011, said the publication was “a total fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stoking unnecessary political tension. Shettima succeeded him in office and governed the state between 2011 and 2019.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.
“Senator Sheriff categorically denies ever making such a statement and wishes to state unequivocally that at no time did he grant any interview or engage with any journalist on the said date or on any matter remotely related to the spurious claims contained in the publication.”
Sheriff further described the report as “a dangerous piece of fake news” intended to undermine his long-standing efforts toward peace and stability in Borno State and across Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to disregard the claim and maintain vigilance against misinformation, reiterating his commitment to truth, justice, and national unity.
The former governor also revealed that his legal team had been instructed to identify and pursue those behind the publication.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law,” the statement concluded.
