Ali Modu Sheriff Denies Claim Linking Shettima To Boko Haram

Former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has dismissed reports claiming he accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of founding the terrorist group Boko Haram.

The story, which spread widely on social media, alleged that Sheriff made the statement in a recent interview.

Sheriff, who governed Borno between 2003 and 2011, described the viral post as fake and politically motivated. His media team said he never made such a remark and accused unnamed individuals of spreading falsehoods to damage his relationship with the Vice President and stir tension in the North-East.

The controversy began after a publication circulated online, claiming Sheriff said Shettima created Boko Haram. The claim quickly gained traction across various platforms, drawing reactions from political commentators and social media users.

Sheriff has since directed his legal advisers to track down those behind the false report and take legal action against them. He maintained that he has always supported peace and unity in Borno and across Nigeria, especially in the fight against insurgency.

Political observers believe the incident reflects the growing trend of misinformation aimed at discrediting public officials. They warn that such false claims could inflame regional sensitivities, especially given the history of insurgency in the North-East.

Sheriff urged the public to disregard the viral story and rely only on verified information from credible media outlets. He also called on journalists and online users to act responsibly when sharing political content that could mislead or create tension.