TD Abuja — The Obidient Movement has launched a scathing attack on former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff over his recent television interview.
The Movement accused him of avoiding critical national issues and resorting to divisive rhetoric instead of addressing the country’s worsening economic and security situation.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the movement described Sheriff’s comments as an attempt to distract Nigerians from what it called the “catastrophic failure” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The statement was titled, “The Absurdity of Ali Modu Sheriff: When the Godfather of Terrorism Chooses to Lecture Nigerians on Patriotism.”
Criticism of Television Interview
According to the Obidient Movement, Sheriff failed to directly answer questions during his appearance on Channels Television regarding calls for President Tinubu to resign over insecurity and economic hardship.
Instead, the group alleged that the former governor shifted attention to the Nigerian Civil War and ethnic politics rather than addressing the concerns raised by the programme’s anchor.
The movement argued that Nigerians are more concerned about rising hunger, insecurity and the struggling economy than debates over historical conflicts.
Defence of Peter Obi
The statement also defended Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, insisting that his commitment to national unity has remained consistent.
It cited Obi’s tenure as Chairman of Fidelity Bank, claiming he invested in businesses owned by Nigerians from different regions, including a rice milling venture in Kano State.
The Obidient Movement further maintained that Obi has continued to advocate economic development for Northern Nigeria, particularly through increased agricultural investment, which it said could generate greater national revenue than crude oil if properly implemented.
Rejects Allegations on National Unity
Responding to Sheriff’s remarks about Obi’s position on national cohesion, the movement insisted that the former Anambra State governor has consistently promoted dialogue, justice and inclusion as the foundation for lasting peace.
It also claimed that Obi has repeatedly stated that all aggrieved groups in Nigeria deserve to be heard within the framework of the rule of law.
Strong Allegations Against Sheriff
The statement went further by accusing Sheriff of being associated with the early rise of the Boko Haram insurgency, arguing that it was ironic for him to lecture Nigerians on patriotism and national loyalty.
The movement alleged that politicians benefit from insecurity and suggested that an Obi-led administration would dismantle what it described as the “lucrative insecurity industry.”
Tinubu Administration Criticised
The Obidient Movement concluded by accusing the Tinubu administration of failing to address the country’s key challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity and rising poverty.
It argued that attempts to shift public discourse towards ethnicity, religion or the Nigerian Civil War cannot distract Nigerians from the realities they face daily.
The statement ended by asserting that the country’s pressing issues remain hunger, insecurity and economic decline, rather than ethnic or historical divisions.
The press statement was signed by the Media and Communications Directorate of the Obidient Movement.
