Nigerians Need To Collectively Fight Against Corruption - Ribadu

A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said yesterday that Nigerians must collectively fight the war against corruption because “the crooks are now winning the battle”.

Ribadu said this yesterday while fielding questions from journalists after the 12th annual public symposium organized by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Abuja chapter.

The former EFCC boss chaired the symposium themed “Anti-Corruption: The Role of Media as a Change Agent”.

The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who gave a positive assessment of the ongoing battle against corruption, stated that the war could still be improved upon.

“What is going on today is reinvigoration, a change that put it (corruption) as number one priority of government. I want to salute those who are responsible for that. I totally agree.

“And I appeal to all Nigerians to please, for God’s sake, let’s think about our country, let’s make our own people the winner even if it means for once. The crooks have been winning. Those who are stealing our own money have been winning. Let’s turn it around and make Nigerians winners,” said Ribadu, who was asked to rate the current fight against corruption.

He added, “it’s going on very well. It can be better. But you also know and agree that things have changed. If you know the volume or the amount of money that we say today we have recovered, money stolen from individuals and groups, the money is with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). That tells you the story of what is going on today.  We can do better.

By Muideen Olaniyi & Abbas Jimoh

I Was Begged By Obasanjo to Treat Fayose Softly – Ribadu

The incumbent chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has revealed that contrary to claims by Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo begged him to go softly on the governor in the period when the commission laid siege on him, according to The Vanguard.

Ribadu made the disclosure Friday night in Lagos when former associates of the former President converged to celebrate him on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

The associates who converged as “Learners of the Olusegun Obasanjo School of Nigerian Politics” included former office holders in the Obasanjo administration and some of the country’s leading names in the economy and Nollywood.

The former anti-graft czar also swore that Obasanjo was not privy to the arrest of Globalcom chairman, Chief Mike Adenuga.

Speaking at the occasion, Obasanjo said Ribadu probed him shortly after he was appointed.

He said the EFCC unearthed a foreign account long used by his late wife, Stella Obasanjo.

Obasanjo said the account which was opened by the late Stella in her maiden name before they got married was the nearest to what the former EFCC chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu could find against him.

Obasanjo also disclosed how he gave former Police boss Tafa Balogun a 30-minute ultimatum to resign or be dismissed.

Among those present were Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olangusoye Oyinola, former governor of Osun State, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, Dr. (Mrs.) Dere Awosika, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Mr. Akin Osuntokun, Mallam Ahmed Yayale, Mallam Uba Sani, Dr. Doyin Okupe. Also present were Mr. Tonye Cole, Mr. Aigboje Aik-Imoukhuede, AIG Ogunsakin, Senator Kola Bajumo, Mallam Yayale Ahmed among others.

By Dolapo Adelana