Ribadu lost moral right to head EFCC

Ribadu made his mark in the fight against corruption and financial crimes, he did his job with zeal, dedication and commitment, he put everything at his disposal to do his job, he recorded successes that tended to restore some credibility to Nigeria in her war against corruption and financial crimes, he carved a niche for himself. In fact,“the fear of Ribadu became the beginning of wisdom” for political office holders.

The raging debate on the compulsory course Ribadu is to attend is a good sign for democratic consolidation and development. It shows the desire of our people in sustaining the fight against corruption although the issue has been sensationalised and over flogged.

It is, therefore, pertinent to reflect on the activities of Ribadu as EFCC boss, with a view to extricating some of his actions from his overall performance. Ribadu saw himself a veritable instrument to bring down corruption especially those perpetrated by political office holders and more importantly those opposed to Obasanjo’s policies, style and pronouncements. The hunt became more vicious when the feud between Obasanjo and Atiku came to the public. It was then that governors loyal to Atiku were being picked up.

To this extent Ribadu lost focus and became a political tool of the dictator to whom he reported and took order from. He dined and wined with Obasanjo who had become too powerful and so was politically compromised. For instance when Dariye was accused of diverting some money and the money was traced to Obasanjo/Atiku campaign fund what did Ribadu do to those who received such money except that both Obasanjo and Atiku quickly contributed some money to make a refund.

It did not occur to Ribadu that the over N8 billion Obasanjo Presidential Library fund raising was a monumental fraud on the nation yet he calls himself an anti-graft crusader. Two reports were submitted by EFCC on NPA financial scam and twice the reports were thrown back at him by the erstwhile president yet he claims not to be selective in his fight against corruption. When Obasanjo was accused to have used his position to acquire 200m shares in Transcorp which he (Obasanjo) helped to acquire NITEL and some oil blocs Ribadu saw nothing unusual about it.

We were witnesses to the attack on Bank PHB and Globacom but today we now see that both corporate bodies have not been found guilty of anything beyond sending Adenuga on exile and destroying the complexes of their headquarters.

What is being said in the scenario painted above is that Ribadu became over zealous, biased, politically compromised and so lost the moral right to lead EFCC. When Yar’Adua was to be presented as the flag bearer of the PDP, we saw how Obasanjo turned the EFCC into a weapon of harassment, intimidation and blackmail against any governor that might want to contest against him. Of essence, Ribadu out lived his usefulness the moment he allowed himself to be used against his countrymen. His removal was long overdue and he cannot be loyal to Yar’Adua as he was to Obasanjo and so could be a weapon to be used to frustrate Yar’ dua should he decide to retain him.

I.O. Orija,
14, Owoseni Street,
Oshodi, Lagos.

The unrepentant Niger Delta militants

FOR some years now, the people of Niger Delta have been yearning for improved standard of living, provision of social amenities and other things for their region. The Obasanjo administration attempted to meet some of these demands.

However, I guess President Yar’Adua has come to save the people of the oil rich region from their poverty and marginalisation by turning the Niger Delta into a habitable place through the execution of some projects in the region even though some of these projects were approved by his predecessor. The government also built a federal university in the region and there are some on-going projects that will also affect the lives of the people of the region positively when completed.

Though, some Niger Deltans appreciate these gestures aimed at bringing the region to prominence, most especially that of the vice president coming from their region and they also commend current government’s efforts at liberating Niger Delta from poverty and deprivation. However, some bad eggs from the area, who portray themselves erroneously as loyal to the cause of the region, are engaging in some criminal activities such as killing and kidnapping of oil workers and other innocent citizens and generally turning the area into a red zone.

Activities of these militants amount to sheer wickedness. Although one may not be able to totally condemn these militants because the truth is many of them were idle hands before the devil found work for them. It must still be said, however, that militancy will do the area no good.

What do these youths want after the positive steps the government has taken to improve living condition in the region. That they are still engaged in kidnapping activities up to this moment is an indication that their so-called fight for emancipation is nothing but armed robbery in disguise.

These militants are thereby advised to desist from their ungodly acts in the interest of peace and the development of the region. Nothing can be achieved through violence. If they have any grievances they should dialogue with the government. Even if they feel the government has done so many wrong things to their region, two wrongs cannot make a right. Long Live Nigeria!

Ganiyu Quadri,
Ajegunle,
Saki.