While some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are still grumbling over the chice of Ali Modu Sheriff as its chairman, sources in Sheriff’s camp said former President Jonathan had congratulated him.
It was learnt that Jonathan congratulated the new chairman on the telephone in the presence of members of the National Executive Council of the party.
A source at the meeting said, “Jonathan has congratulated Sheriff despite the protests by some members of the party. The former President told Sheriff to act like a father and unite the warring factions.
“Most of those who are accusing Sheriff are not members of the organ of the party. They do not belong to the National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees or the NEC. They are mostly ex-ministers who are not involved in the running of the party but want to dictate to us.”
However, a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has again criticised Sheriff for his claim that he is not responsible for the creation of Boko Haram.
Fani-Kayode’s remarks were contained in a text message sent to Punch correspondent on Sunday.
He wrote, “Expecting Ali Modu Sheriff to admit that he created Boko Haram is like expecting Jack the Ripper to admit that he was a rapist and a killer. This matter is beyond political parties or partisan politics. It is more about who and what we are as a people. There is no nation on earth apart from Nigeria where a man that is as questionable and dubious as Ali Modu Sheriff can be appointed as the national chairman of the leading opposition party.
“The blood of all those that have been butchered by Boko Haram over the last seven years is crying before God in heaven and calling for vengeance and restitution. Instead of us doing something to honour and avenge those that were killed, we are bringing in the man who nurtured, raised and used their killers as his personal thugs and for his own political gain when he was governor to come and lead us.
“This is not only unacceptable but it is also evil and if I am the only one left in this country that has the decency and courage to say so openly I will continue to do so.”
