You lack moral authority to lecture us on patriotism – Obidients to Alimodu Sheriff 

The Obidient Movement has criticised former Ali Modu Sheriff over comments he made during a television interview, accusing him of avoiding questions about President Bola Tinubu’s administration and instead resorting to discussions about the Nigerian Civil War.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement said Sheriff failed to respond directly to a question on calls for Tinubu’s resignation over worsening insecurity and economic hardship during his appearance on Channels Television.

According to the group, rather than addressing the administration’s performance, Sheriff shifted the discussion to the Nigerian Civil War and made references to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

The movement argued that Obi has consistently advocated national unity and inclusive development, citing his support for businesses across regional and religious lines, including investments in northern Nigeria while serving as chairman of Fidelity Bank.

It also said Obi has repeatedly outlined plans to boost agricultural productivity in northern Nigeria as part of efforts to diversify the country’s economy and increase national revenue.

Responding to comments on separatist movements, the Obidient Movement maintained that Obi supports a united Nigeria and believes that grievances should be addressed through dialogue, justice and the rule of law.

The group further alleged that Sheriff had been “widely identified with the early rise and sponsorship of the Boko Haram insurgency,” arguing that he lacked the moral authority to lecture Nigerians on patriotism and national loyalty.

“It is deeply ironic that Ali Modu Sheriff, a man widely identified with the early rise and sponsorship of the Boko Haram insurgency that devastated the North, now wants to lecture anyone on patriotism and national loyalty.

“Perhaps what truly frightens him and others like him is the knowledge that a Peter Obi administration will dismantle the lucrative insecurity industry from which merchants of chaos and political profiteers have benefited for years,” part of the statement read.

The statement also accused defenders of the Tinubu administration of using ethnicity, religion and historical events to divert attention from what it described as the country’s current challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship and rising hunger.

It maintained that Nigerians are more concerned with the nation’s present economic and security situation than debates over historical events, insisting that the government should focus on addressing the country’s pressing problems rather than political distractions.