Former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sherrif, has described himself as a victim and not a sponsor of Boko Haram, as widely claimed in many quarters in Nigeria.
Sherriff, a two term governor of the state, made the claim at a news conference in Abuja, following widespread allegations by an Australian, Stephen Davies that he was a major sponsor of the sect in Nigeria.
The revelation by Davies, who claims to be a Boko Haram negotiator engaged by Nigeria, forced the All Progressives Congress to address the press in Abuja on Tuesday, asking the Presidency to hand over the former governor to the International Court of Justice for prosecution.
But at a media briefing in Abuja, Wednesday, Sheriff rebuked Davies for trying to link him with the atrocities of the Boko Haram sect, saying 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, who denied any links with the sect, pointed out that he should be pitied for losing his brother, cousin and numerous political supporters to the 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.
Sheriff said that as a successful international businessman before he veered into politics, he would not stoop low to support terrorism and had always spoken out against the sect thereby incurring its wrath.
