No Fuss Over Ribadu’s Removal - ICPC Boss

By Seyi Gesinde and Stephen Gbadamosi - 05.01.2008

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, has cautioned Nigerians not to overflog the issue of the removal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as it was nothing to cry foul about.

He also read a Riot Act to corrupt Nigerians, saying, the commitment of his commission, which is to fight corruption, would grow stronger this year.

Ayoola, said this while fielding questions from journalists after delivering his lecture as the guest lecturer at the end of the year party organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) chapel of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) at Basorun in Ibadan.

Reacting to a question on Ribadu’s removal, Ayoola said, “Nigerians must learn not to cry foul over issues they don’t understand. Even in a football match, they like to cry foul. They should learn to understand and seek knowledge first before commenting on issues.

“There is nothing to cry foul about in what is happening.” He further predicted in his lecture that this year would witness a more respect for the rule of law.

“The rebirth of democracy and respect for the rule of law which took place last year would grow stronger this year.

“Our commitment to fight against corruption is going to gain momentum.

“Those who in the past had rejoiced in impunity will soon realise that they were mistaken in misjudging the seriousness of the campaign against the evil of corruption that has caused so much misery to Nigerians.

He expressed hope that in 2008, Nigerians would soon realise the need to reject false values that had retarded the national development.

He charged that if Nigeria’s democracy was to survive and be a fruitful concept, the role of the media in sustaining it could not be over-emphasised.

“Certain issues must be placed at the forefront of such endeavours. Primary of these are the proper understanding of the concept of democracy by all and the nature and quality of media practice that can nurture democracy and create a favourable environment for it to thrive,” Ayoola said.