Earlyface

Former Borno state governor Alimodu Sheriff, who was accused
by Australian Boko Haram negotiator, Stephen Davis of being a
sponsor of Boko Haram, held a press conference where he
addressed the accusations.
He denied the claims and said he plans to sue Mr Davis. He said
the campaign against him is 'callous and unwarranted' and those
linking him with the sect are 'either ignorant or completely out
for mischief'. Some of the things he said below..
"I condole with the people of Borno, particularly the people of
Bama, Gwoza and Gamboru over the recent attacks. My name
has been mentioned for political reasons over the attacks of
Boko Haram. I have been accused unfairly in connection with
Boko Haram since I left office.
"For the records, let me state categorically that I do not share
the same ideology with Boko Haram. By my nature, I am
opposed to the philosophy of Boko Haram."
"The recent purported interview granted by Australian
negotiator, Stephen Davies, could not avail the federal
government of the information concerning the alleged sponsors
of Boko Haram... but he sneaked out of the country to make
false claims."
"It is instructive to point out that I have been one of the greatest
victims of Borno. I was a target of Boko Haram during my time
because I refused to abdicate my responsibility."
"Among those killed by Boko Haram was my younger brother,
Alhaji Goni. Some of my friends and associates were killed in
cold blood by Boko Haram."
"For the records, the late leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed
Yusuf, once named me, Umaru Yar'Adua and some other leaders
as targets. He boasted he would deal with all of us."
"I banned Boko Haram. I was the one who made a law that
outlawed the group," he says.  "The sect later changed its name.
And in spite of our efforts, the group continued to wreak
havoc."
"The sect has become captive of political forces and [has been]
used for settling political scores".
"I have no association with any terrorists anywhere. I have
never met the group. I cannot be a sponsor of a group I have not
met before."
"Today, there are ten thousand members of Boko Haram
terrorizing our people. All my actions as governor was to guide
my people right."
"The fact that one of my commissioners, Buji Koi, was named as
member of the group does not make me a member. It doesn't
make sense."
"I leave the rest for Nigerians to judge whether it is a crime to
do good to all men."
"I will sue the Australian. I have instructed my lawyers to sue
the faceless Australian."
"I don't have foot soldiers, as they alleged. The allegation that
some foot soldiers who turned against me became Boko Haram
is not true."
He acknowledged that he was recently invited by the State
Security Service (SSS) but it had nothing to do with Boko
Haram.
"I am prepared to face any panel in the world to clear my name
of Boko Haram."