We’ve reconciled, said Shettima, Sheriff

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state and his predecessor, Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff, yesterday said they have finally reconciled and resolved to work together towards the progress of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Shettima disclosed this shortly after an APC stakeholders meeting they attended in Maiduguri.

Speaking at a joint press briefing held at Sheriff’s residence in Maiduguri both politicians declared that their hitherto seemingly misunderstandings are now finally over.

“I want to announce that we have resolved to bury our differences as a family, the interest of our great party, the APC and the people. The APC is a big family and quarrels or disagreements are inevitable in any human endeavour.

“I want to assure you that we have decided to bury our hatchet and come together as a team from now on. By the grace of God, this is the last time you will hear of any inter party squabbles among members of APC in Borno.’’

He said all members of the party would form a common front toward winning the 2015 general polls.

On his part, Sheriff said the problem was caused by mischief makers who spread rumours among the party members.

“I don’t have any problem with the governor, because I have lots of respect for him. I have never discussed the issue of replacing him as the APC governorship candidate for the 2015 polls as being rumoured. I am a national leader of the party whereas Shettima is the Borno leader of the APC.

“I do not need to control the party at the state level because it is not my role’’, he said.

He said that a committee had been set up under the leadership of Shettima, to conduct APC congresses in places where the events were marred by crises.

It could be recalled that Governor Shettima was rumored to have been engaged in a political rivalry with his predecessor and erstwhile godfather, Senator Sheriff (aka SAS) and the seeming disagreement between the two leaders of the party had hindered the conduct of APC ward congress in many parts of the state.

The seeming rift became evident a few months back when the two political gladiators were booed and stoned by separate group of thugs, leading to allegation and counter-allegation by their loyalists.

Similarly, the local government and ward congresses which were held nationwide last Saturday was postponed to Tuesday in the state but still not hold as at yesterday due to the seemingly show of strength from both camps of Shettima and Sheriff.

The two political actors however reached the truce yesterday at the instance of another chieftain of the party, Alhaji Kashim Imam, a one-time presidential liaison officer to the National Assembly under the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.