A group of politicians facing trial for corruption, and encouraged by the Presidency, launch a multi-tier scheme to finish off Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
By Bamidele Johnson
For Chief James Ibori, former governor of Delta State who turned 50 on 4 August, the best birthday gift was the one he was handed last Tuesday. That day, the Police Service Commission, PSC, announced the demotion of 140 police officers. The list of demoted officers contained the name of a certain Nuhu Ribadu, giving headline writers the easiest of tasks for their stories the next day. Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, under whom Ibori was investigated for corruption and subsequently arraigned before a court, is undertaking a course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos. He was demoted from Assistant Inspector-General of Police to Deputy Commissioner. The former EFCC boss joined the agency as an Assistant Commissioner in 2003. In 2005, he was promoted Commissioner and in 2007, became an Assistant Inspector-General.
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Other prominent names on the list included the late Haz Iwendi, Olayinka Balogun and Solomon Arase, who were all demoted from Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners. The statement announcing the demotions, signed by PSC Chairman, Parry Osayande, said: “The commission notes that the special promotion was not based on the established criteria and was a total breach of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Service Commission Act 2001. It has, therefore, been the cause of disillusionment, agitation and indiscipline within the Nigeria Police Force.”
The PSC Chairman explained that the guidelines for normal promotion include seniority and merit, minimum of three years on a rank, attendance of relevant promotion course and passing prescribed examination. Others, he said, include recommendation by the departmental selection board in respect of those attending departmental selection board interview and earning a good Annual Performance Evaluation Review, APER, grading over a period of three years.
Officers with pending disciplinary matters, complaints or petitions of gross misconduct such as human rights violations, torture, extra-judicial killings, corruption, and rape are excluded from being considered. Officers desirous of promotion are also required to pass oral interviews conducted by the commission and vacancy must exist. Osayande warned that special promotions must be based on exceptional performance such as acts of gallantry and bravery. Responding to Ribadu’s demotion, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, a civil society group, has petitioned the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, accusing the Nigerian government of vendetta. “SERAP is writing to express serious concerns about the recent threats of arrest and demotion of Malam Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and urges you to urgently intervene in this matter to stop further attacks, intimidation and harassment of a prominent anti-corruption campaigner and human rights defender…The Nigerian government justified his demotion on the ground that his ‘promotion was irregular and done without regard for the laws guiding such exercise’. However, SERAP believes that the demotion is in bad faith and part of a persistent smear campaign against Mr. Ribadu for his anti-corruption campaign while in office. There are credible reports that while the government was announcing Mr. Ribadu’s demotion, it was also making attempts to arrest him in Kuru, Jos, purportedly for ‘questioning’.Lagos lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, described Ribadu’s demotion as bizarre and informed by Yar’Adua’s displeasure at the prosecution of his political associates for graft. “I condemn as absolutely bizarre, the demotion of Nuhu Ribadu from Assistant Inspector-General of Police to deputy commissioner of police after his illegal and unjustifiable removal as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.” Fawehinmi warned Yar’Adua that any government that penalises honesty is courting destruction.A similar position was taken by Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba group, which argued that Ribadu was the sole target of the demotion exercise. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, the group said the PSC failed to disclose the offences committed by those affected to warrant demotion, alleging that the exercise was conceived to marginalise groups in the force. Afenifere said it was worried that a greater percentage of the affected officers were from the South-West geo-political zone, as opposed to nine from the North.
For Ribadu, it was an accident waiting to happen. And Ibori, reputedly one of the biggest contributors of financial and logistical support to the election of President Umar Yar’Adua, must have been thrilled when the carnage was delivered. Ribadu, who was promoted a Commissioner of Police in 2005 and was again elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General four months later, is currently undergoing a course at the NIPSS, Kuru, Jos. His demotion was predicted by TheNEWS in its 9 June 2008 edition. Before the announcement of Ribadu’s demotion, Ibori and other governors facing prosecution for corruption had been handed a smaller package in the shape of Ibrahim Magu, a Chief Superintendent of Police and head of the Economic Governance Unit of the EFCC under Ribadu. Magu was arrested and detained by the police last Sunday and according to sources, could be prosecuted for allegedly tampering with evidence.
The Economic Governance Unit has the responsibility to check, probe and investigate cases of abuse of office, diversion of public funds and property, mismanagement and stealing of public funds at the three tiers of government. It also has the responsibility of investigating economic and financial crimes in ministries, parastatals and designated government agencies. Magu’s arrest was preceded by a period of anxiety, during which his mind whirled like a spin dryer, following two raids on his residences in Abuja and Lagos and an accusation that he leaked the report of the EFCC probe of Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State to The PUNCH. The first raid, carried out by EFCC operatives, took place on 28 July at his flat in Femi Okunnu Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
Femi Babafemi, EFCC spokesman, explained that the commission got information that Magu was in possession of documents missing from the commission that contain details of investigation of high-profile corruption cases, especially those involving former and serving governors. “For about four hours, the operatives waited for Magu, whom his family members said was not around. Efforts were made to reach him, but he didn’t show up until four hours later. When he eventually arrived, he led the operatives into his house for the search to be conducted and the search yielded fruitful results. The documents were found in his house. Also found was a computer belonging to the commission which contained classified information,” Babafemi told PM News, our sister publication.
Babafemi was also quoted by the Daily Independent, published by Ibori, as saying: “Upon searching (Magu’s residence), a number of documents were found. We also found a laptop in his possession, a property of the commission, which also had a lot of documents saved on it. The first thing is that we recovered the documents and we are going to keep looking (sic) because many documents were removed from case files of the commission before its present leadership was inaugurated.” But TheNEWS investigations revealed that the EFCC had embellished its story. Magu, said sources at Okunnu Estate, was away for about four hours as claimed by the commission. This, however, was because he left home at about 6.30 am to drive his wife to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, for an appointment with her doctor. His wife was said to have been forced to disembark at the hospital gate when Magu received a phone call that EFCC operatives were in his house. On his way back, he got stuck in the early-morning traffic.
The claim that the raid yielded ‘fruitful results’ seemed exaggerated, as the search note signed by all parties connected to the raid, including Magu, was at variance with EFCC’s claim of fruitful results. According to the search note, a total of 15 bags were searched, yielding the interim report on a fraud at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA; proof of evidence in the prosecution of Mr. Tafa Balogun, former Inspector-General of Police, who was convicted and has served out his jail term; and Magu’s handover notes. These were taken away. Also seized were a laptop computer, which Magu had used since 2003 when he joined the EFCC as a foundation staff; his official phone, pistol and some rounds of ammunition.
Conspicuously missing from the search note are files on the investigation of former and serving governors. A source in the commission told this magazine that Magu only coordinated investigations, but never single-handedly investigated any governor for abuse of office. The task of investigating such, said the source, is undertaken by team leaders and Investigation Officers, IOs. The closest the former head of the Economic Governance Unit went to investigating a governor, the source added, was the probe of the collapse of the Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria, SGBN. The bank, which was recently–in controversial circumstances–offered a fresh chance to recapitalise, was owned by Dr. Olusola Saraki. Bukola, Saraki’s son, is the incumbent governor of Kwara State. Governor Saraki, an executive director of the bank in its darkest days, has been identified as member of the powerful clan that facilitated the appointment of Mrs. Farida Waziri as EFCC Chairman.
This magazine also learnt that there was nothing unusual about the seized items being in Magu’s possession, given that he has not officially handed over since his redeployment to the Force Headquarters in Abuja via the Ekiti State Police Command. However, that was hardly of interest to the new EFCC Chairman, who was said to have complained about Magu to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro. Magu was redeployed in the wake of Ribadu’s ouster and his replacement, sources said, will be a former Chief Security Officer to the governor of a north central state. For now, the unit is headed by Umar Sanda.
Two days after the raid in Lagos, Magu’s Abuja home, located at Plot 177 Karu Side, was visited by policemen, who met nobody at home. They were said to have broken in and trawled through the flat in search of EFCC documents. What was found remained yet unknown. However, they left two mobile policemen to keep an eye on the house. Sources said Magu returned to Abuja in the evening of 2 August, but could not confirm whether or not he went to his house. Last Monday, Magu went to the Force Headquarters, allegedly on Okiro’s invitation, and was detained.
EFCC sources link Magu’s current ordeal to Waziri, whose appointment was widely criticised on account of her closeness to some politicians being prosecuted by the agency. Specifically, Waziri was accused of signing for the release of the passport of Senator George Akume, former governor of Benue State. In a recent interview with Newswatch, Waziri accused Magu and Ibrahim Lamorde, former acting Chairman of the commission, of setting her up. “One of the officers in the EFCC, by name Magu, phoned to tell me that Akume wanted to travel and Lamorde, who acted as the chairman of EFCC, said if I do guarantee, they would release the passport. These two officers worked with me in the Special Fraud Unit before in Lagos. Lamorde was my deputy, while Magu was one of the operatives. My husband was there when the call came and I told him that Magu did call in respect of this, but that Akume had not called me…But much later, Akume’s secretary called me to say that Akume wanted to travel and that men of the EFCC said they could only release his passport for that purpose if I endorsed,” she told Newswatch. Waziri added that she turned down the proposition and requested the secretary to apply and she did. “She wrote with her handwriting, requesting for the passport. And the officer said: ‘Okay, Madam, you can endorse’ and I did. That’s exactly what happened. I do know now that it was a big set-up…I guess they had information that I was being considered for this job and had planned their set-up,” Waziri argued.
A whiff of vendetta? Not unlikely. And according to sources, there may be more from where that came from. TheNEWS learnt that Lamorde, who is currently serving in Ningi, Bauchi State, is the next candidate for arrest. This is expected to be followed by Ribadu’s arrest, trial and if possible, conviction. If not, an early retirement awaits him. Sources told TheNEWS last week that Ribadu was invited for a chat with the Director-General of the State Security Service, SSS, as a prelude to his trial for being in possession of treasonable documents.
The Presidency is also said to have bought the suggestion of a probe of Ribadu’s tenure at the EFCC. Waziri, who is said to have already invited Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, to replace Rotimi Jacobs as the commission’s counsel, is expected to order a probe soon. Through newspaper articles and interviews, Keyamo, a feisty attorney, has ceaselessly called for a probe of Ribadu’s tenure, especially the use of foreign grants by the commission. President Yar’Adua’s office is also said to have received a series of petitions accusing Ribadu of sharp practices. One of these was written by Chief Emmanuel Nwude, the lead actor in the defrauding of a Brazilian bank to the tune of $242million.
Nwude was prosecuted by Ribadu and convicted by a court, via a plea bargain. He has served his term and agreed to refund some money. He is, however, accusing the EFCC of treating his assets like booty. Nwude has alleged that the EFCC, under Ribadu, took over all his properties in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu and Port Harcourt, receiving rents. A former director in Union Bank, Nwude is also claiming that his shares in the bank were sold under the table. “When they took over my house, they took all the cars. They took my jeeps. One of them was returned to me after I deposited £24,000 through my lawyer. They took over my properties in Lagos, Enugu, Abuja and Port Harcourt and handed them over to the law firm of Shofunde, Ogundipe and Belgore, who was their agent. Then they began to collect rents. I know how much I was collecting in rents, so I can imagine how much they must have collected. When I sought to know how much they collected, they said I had no right to know,” Nwude said in an interview.
Another of such petitions is the handiwork of two lawyers, Messrs Ogboli Charles and Ugochukwu Ogbuagwu, who accused Ribadu of buying a property in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and another one in Abuja. The cost of the two buildings was put at N699million. The Dubai property, allegedly located at the emirate’s Palm Beach Estate cost N3.9billion, while the one in Abuja attracted N200million. Ribadu has denied the allegations and was recently cleared by the government of the United Arab Emirates, UAE. A letter signed by an official of the UAE, Mohammed Subair, said: “If Mallam Nuhu Ribadu truly bought a house in Dubai or received a mansion as gift, Dubai’s crime investigations will furnish us with the necessary information about the sale, the agent (s) involved, as well as the identity of the buyer. That is the standard practice in Dubai and that is why it is different from Nigeria.”
Identified as designers of the schemes to completely deflate Ribadu are Ibori, Governor Saraki, Akume and Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Others are Senators Ahmed Sani, Saminu Turaki, Chimaroke Nnamani and Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, former governors of Zamfara, Jigawa Enugu and Abia states respectively. The group’s lethal weapon is Okiro, whose position as the administrative head of the police has been of immense help to them. This group was said to have convinced Yar’Adua to appoint him and Aondoakaa.
Yar’Adua had initially considered Ibori for the position of Special Adviser on Petroleum Matters. And when that plan was shelved, his candidate, David Edebvie, was considered as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE. It was gathered that preference for the BPE was informed by the desire of those who had looted public funds to buy into government corporations, thereby giving their loot a legitimate face.
But Yar’Adua, on Ribadu’s advice, retained Dr. Irene Chigbue as BPE Director-General. Ribadu’s victory over Ibori could not have endured, given the influence of the former Delta State governor on Yar’Adua. Further evidence of the influence was provided on 3 August when Edebvie was announced as the Principal Private Secretary to Yar’Adua.
Under Ribadu, the EFCC commenced the prosecution of Edebvie along with his former boss for money laundering. The charges have not been dropped. It was because of Ibori that Aondoakaa had one his major spats with Ribadu. The row between the two men was ignited by Ribadu’s decision to give documents on Ibori’s investigation by the EFCC to the London Metropolitan Police, which sent two separate teams to Nigeria to seek assistance on the matter. After the visits, a prosecutor in the Fraud Prosecution Service, David Williams, wrote to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to request supplementary information, an action that enraged Aondoakaa. The Attorney-General replied that it was disrespectful for a low-ranking officer of the British prosecution agency to request such information, which had not been obtained from his office in the first place. Aondoakaa took his ire to the Federal Executive Council. With Yar’Adua beholden to Ibori, despite his oft-mouthed abhorrence of corruption, the outcome could not have been in Ribadu’s favour. To deodorise its plot, Okiro, as IG, was the government’s agent. He was said to have started doing a shortlist of candidates to replace Ribadu, whose arrest of Ibori and subsequent prosecution had riled Yar’Adua into sanctioning his posting to NIPSS.
Okiro’s efforts to fill the gap created by Ribadu’s redeployment and that of Lamorde, who served in an acting capacity, was a contravention of Section 8 (3) of the EFCC Act, which gives the commission the sole powers to appoint or request for the secondment of anybody in the private and public sectors for the realisation of its objectives. Lamorde, EFCC Director of Operations under Ribadu, was replaced with Tunde Ogunshakin, a cop with a huge reputation and said to be mightily close to Ibori. A similar remodelling was carried out on the Indepedent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, for which Okiro appointed a director of operations in the person of Sentoye Leroy Wakama. Nwakama’s position was created by Okiro.
The rhythm to which Okiro has been dancing is supplied by Yar’Adua’s ex-governor friends, who chose Aondoakaa as the lead vocalist of the band. A week after he assumed office as Attorney-General, Aondoakaa, counsel to Akume in the latter’s case with the EFCC, announced his readiness to strip the EFCC and ICPC of prosecutorial powers. He followed it up with an announcement that all prosecutorial powers were derivable from his ministry. This, justifiably, was construed as an attempt by the government to interfere with the workings of the anti-corruption agencies.
Aondoakaa then announced that Yar’Adua had approved it as the direction for the new dispensation. That marked the beginning of a tetchy relationship between Aondoakaa and Ribadu. The relationshp would grow worse during the hearing of EFCC’s case against Orji Kalu, former Abia State governor, who was facing money laundering charges before the Federal High Court, Abuja. When the case was mentioned, lawyers from both the EFCC and the Attorney-General’s office turned up as prosecutors. Salihu Aliyu, Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice, represented the AGF, while Adeniyi Adebisi came for the EFCC. A shocked Adebisi said: “I am at loss at the representation of the DPP in this matter because we are counsel on record in this case. This matter was initiated by the EFCC. If the AGF is taking over the case, this is not tidy enough.”
But the DPP rejected the suggestion that the AGF was taking over the case, saying he (DPP) appeared to clear some “grey areas” reported to the AGF’s office. The DPP said Kalu’s lawyers had written to the AGF that the former governor was arrested in breach of a court order restraining the commission from doing so. He argued that Kalu’s petition was written because of government’s assurance that it would abide by the rule of law and due process and that the arrest was at variance with such avowals. Aondoakaa would add that he risked being committed for contempt of court, a bizarre claim given that the Attorney-General was not a party to the suit and therefore could not have faced contempt charges.
To an extent, the DPP’s position seemed valid. But it was weakened by the fact that the Attorney-General’s office, upon receipt of the petition, failed to bring it to EFCC’s notice, even for comment, before responding that “the AGF has directed immediate compliance with all court orders, including of course, the one secured by your client.” As a result, it was difficult to avoid the conclusion that the AGF was not attempting to double as the prosecutor and defendant, puncturing the government’s claim of non-interference. Of the saga, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, ICPC Chairman, said: “Although the AGF has the constitutional powers to take over any case no matter who instituted it, such a take-over must be discussed between the AGF and the agency involved. What was embarrassing was the method that was employed in the said take-over. If the AGF wants to take over any case, he must make his reasons for such a take-over public. The public deserves to know the reasons; this is not done anywhere. There is a lot of suspicion so far on the move to take over the Kalu case.”
With Ribadu out of the way, Kalu is sounding more bullish and has expressed his readiness to now face trial. The ex-governor has been charged with stealing over N2.9billion belonging to Abia State. The court has ordered the release of his international passport and other travel documents seized by the EFCC, as part of the conditions for granting him bail. Ibori is also a beneficiary of the same gesture.
For his role in wrestling Ribadu to the ground, this medium gathered, Aondoakaa will be rewarded this week when the EFCC Data Centre will be named after him. The centre–the repository of all of Nigeria’s data assets–which functions as the national crime data laboratory is a Ribadu legacy. It was established with funds from the European Union via the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, and named after Antonio Maria Costa, UNODC Director.
Another man of muscle in the Yar’Adua adminsitration is Bukola Saraki, the Kwara State governor. He is one of the promoters of Waziri, whom sources said frequented the EFCC when the agency was investigating the collapse of the SGBN. The bank died in the hands of Governor Saraki, then an executive director; his father and chairman, Dr. Olusola Saraki; Janet, the governor’s mother; and other directors.
Waziri’s purpose at the EFCC under Ribadu was to get the agency to go easy in its investigation and further probe of the Sarakis, whose wealth in Nigeria and the United Kingdom grew bigger just as the fortunes of their bank was gasping. Between 1999 and 2003, the most critical period in the life of the SGBN, Governor Saraki acquired 15 luxury cars, which included a Ferrari with a price tag of N240 million. He and his wife, Toyin, also bought houses in London worth £10 million. By the end of 2003, the SGBN had overdrawn its capital base at the Central Bank of Nigeria by N11 billion. The bank’s books were so wretched that it was sent out of the clearing house by June 2003, a month after Governor Saraki’s failed bid to save it from collapse by transfering Kwara State funds to its coffers.
In 2004, the EFCC interrogated the governor’s father. This caused the famous political family a huge embarrassment, for which they teamed up with others with similar issues to make Ribadu pay. That chance came last year, when the younger Saraki had amassed enough political influence to shake things up. And shake up things, he sure did. The SGBN had challenged the revocation of its licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in 2006, following the erosion of its capital base and its poor financial condition. Last April, the court ruled that while it was the prerogative of CBN to revoke a banking licence in deserving situations, SGBN should have been given ample time to meet the conditions attached to the forbearance of a considerable portion of its huge indebtedness to CBN. It therefore directed the apex bank to give the SGBN an option of recapitalising within 30 days.
Dissatisfied, the CBN announced its intention to appeal the judgment. It, however, backed out, saying: “In the interest of justice and more so, in the overriding interest of the suffering depositors, the CBN has decided not to appeal the judgment of the court. Since the court has given SGBN only 30 days to complete all processes relating to its acquisition by another bank, the CBN reasoned that appealing the judgment would worsen the suffering of the innocent depositors.”
CBN’s volte-face sparked suggestions that the Saraki family had used its enormous influence. The bank is now in the process of restarting its operations, having asked its depositors to come for a revalidation exercise. But the CBN was silent on the measure it would take should the SGBN, which had stopped operating even before the recapitalisation exercise, fail to get a buyer at the end of the 30-day period.
The first hint that a torrid time awaited Ribadu was given last December, when ThisDAY ran a story that said Okiro had been directed to issue a memo to the former EFCC boss to proceed to NIPSS. This was picked up by other newspapers, compelling Okiro to call a press conference at which he insisted that Ribadu must go to NIPSS. Okiro, however, denied that the government wanted to oust Ribadu from the EFCC on the prompting of some powerful interests. “He is not being sent on a course for any ulterior motive other than the reasons which he satisfies. He is not being sent to the NIPSS on the prompting of any external bodies. I am not a politician; I am not succumbing to whims and caprices of politicians as being speculated,” Okiro said.
Not many were convinced. Azubiuke Ishiekwene, author of The Trial Of Nuhu Ribadu, wrote: “Under police rules, which he (Okiro) later referred to, an officer who has reached the post of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and who wanted to move up in the Force must go to the National Institute. He would be correct if the officer on secondment to the EFCC was still subject to police internal administrative rules.” But under Section 11 of the EFCC Act, only the agency can send its officers on course. Okiro’s citing of police rules was eventually exposed as a ruse by Aondoakaa, who said: “The IG must have sought and obtained the approval of the President. I do not know the IG to be a frivolous officer. The IG sent seven names for training and it is the President that gave approval for them to go on course.”
That one of the seven names was Lamorde’s fuelled suspicions that the government was trying to alter the architecture of the EFCC and heightened criticism of such. Consequently, the government retreated and claimed that the Lamorde on the list was Timothy, a civil servant, and not Ibrahim of the EFCC. Ribadu’s departure to Kuru was preceded by the arrest of Ibori on 11 December 2007 and arraignment at the Federal High Court in Kaduna two days later. The former Delta State governor and a close friend of Yar’Adua was arrested in the Abuja home of Bukola Saraki.
Lamorde was eventually removed and replaced by Waziri, who wasted no time in effecting changes in the agency as desired by her sponsors. Out went Bello Yahaya, a Superintendent of Police who handled the investigation of Ibori; Mohammed Wakili, former head of the Banking and Fraud unit; and Bukar Abba, Deputy Director of Organisational Services, who was transferred to Gombe State as an accounts officer. His former position and that of Dapo Olorunyomi, Chief of Staff to the Chairman, were scrapped by Waziri. The new EFCC boss also removed Bala Ciroma, Head of Operations at EFCC Headquarters; Saidu Atteh and Emeka Nwonyi, head of operations in Gombe State; and Abubakar Madaki, who investigated former governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State as well as the Vaswani Brothers.
The redeployment, explained the EFCC spokesman, had nothing do with the commission. “The EFCC has nothing to do with them. Since they are policemen, it is the IG that can redeploy or reassign them. It’s completely out of our ball game. They’re policemen attached to the EFCC and they are different from EFCC operatives. It’s just like policemen attached to any of the parastatals; it is the IG that sends them there and it is the IG that can redeploy them. It is not the prerogative of the chairperson; it’s completely the prerogative of the police authorities,” he explained.
Unsurprisingly, Waziri’s appointment as EFCC Chairman started on a controversial note. She was appointed on 15 May by Yar’Adua and directed to resume immediately. This angered the Senate, which through its Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption, summoned her to appear before it. The Senate questioned the propriety of the Yar’Adua’s directive since it had not confirmed Waziri. Aondoakaa had written a letter to the Senate, saying Yar’Adua’s action was covered by Chapter 123, Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, which states that where an Act confers a power to appoint a person either to an office or to exercise any functions, whether for a specified period or not, such includes: (a) power to appoint a person by name or to appoint the holder from time to time of a particular office (b) power to remove or power to suspend (c) power, exercisable in the manner as to even reinstate, re-appoint or appoint a person in acting capacity either generally or in regard to specified functions during such time as is considered expedient by the authority in whom the power of appointment in question is vested.
David Mark, President of the Senate, directed Sola Akinyede, Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption, to find out if she had indeed resumed. “Go and find out if she has resumed because she has no business going there before this Senate confirms her. If she has resumed, my honest advice is for you to tell her not to resume until she is confirmed. In my layman understanding, if an appointment has to get our confirmation, the person cannot resume before we confirm,” Mark said.
He added that Aondoakaa had given an impression that the President can make appointments even when such are said to be subject to Senate confirmation. Section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act (2004) states that: “The chairman and members of the commission other than ex-officio members shall be appointed by the President and their appointments shall be subject to the confirmation of the Senate.” Of Aondoakaa’s letter, Akinyede said: “I was informed that Mr. President has appointed someone in an acting capacity. I find that worrisome and that was why I wrote a letter to the AGF. My fear is that if this is allowed to go, I am afraid, it is going to signal the end of checks and balances between the Legislature and the Executive. If you allow this to happen, we will open a floodgate of such appointments.” The Senate was forced to suspend Waziri’s screening and confirmation on grounds that she may have assumed duty before her name was sent to the Senate.
Civil society groups were as critical of the mode of Waziri’s appointment as they were with Ribadu’s ejection. The Movement Against Corruption called for the immediate revocation of the appointment and accused Yar’Adua of an assault on the rule of law and due process. Abdul Rahman Ahmad, leader of the group, said the appointment of two acting chairmen for the EFCC within five months is an indication that the federal government was not serious about the anti-corruption war. In similar vein, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, and SERAP jointly called on the UNODC, to prevail on the federal government to reverse Waziri’s appointment and comply fully with its national and international anti-corruption commitments and due process.
Apart from accusing the government of underhand tactics, the groups also argued that the manner of Waziri’s appointment hinted at an attempt to interfere in the operation of the EFCC, thereby undermining the credibility of the agency. Waziri’s appointment marked the end of Ribadu’s tenure, in contravention of Section 2 of the EFCC Act, which prescribes only two conditions for the removal of the EFCC Chairman. These are ill-health or any conduct that gravely affects public interest. Neither, curiously, was ascribed. But Waziri was not without her own fans. Abubakar Tsav, a retired police commissioner, accused the Senate of double standards and an attempt to stunt the anti-corruption war. “How is the due process breached? If we are truly serious in our fight against corruption, then we should be more concerned with capability than procedure. There is a cabal in this country, which believes that certain appointments are their birthright and unfortunately, the Nigerian Senate seems to be supporting this cabal. Where is patriotism? Where is that democracy? Where is justice and fairness? It would seem our Senate is operating double standards. When the Accountant-General was appointed without reference to the National Assembly, the Senate kept quiet. Similarly, when Nuhu Ribadu (former EFCC Chairman) was appointed without similar reference, the Senate kept quiet. Why the fuss over the appointment of Mrs.Waziri?” he asked.
The House of Representatives also weighed in with some support, arguing that Yar’Adua was right by virtue of the powers conferred on him in Section 154 (1) of the Constitution. The House argued that Section 147(2) of the Constitution, cited by the Senate, relates only to ministerial appointments, and is different from the meaning of Section 154 (1). “A case to support what the President did was President Shehu Shagari’s appointment of Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey as Acting Judge and National Assembly’s opposition to it in the Second Republic. The matter went to the Supreme Court and its judgment was that the President had the right to appoint Ovie-Whiskey in an acting capacity,” said David Salako, Chairman, House Committe on Narcotics, Drugs and Financial Crimes. Leo Ogor, Chairman, House Committe on Inter-Governmental Relations also argued that the interpretation of Act 2004 of the Laws of the Federation should have conditioned the Senate’s response to Yar’Adua’s position on Waziri’s appointment. “The Senate should differentiate the meaning of the provisions of Section 147(2) from Section 154 (1). The current disagreement between the Executive and the Senate on this matter is not in the country’s interest,” he said. Nonetheless, the government ignored criticisms of the appointment, including allegations of closeness to fraudsters, and saw Waziri through Senate screening. The results have been huge public doubt of the government’s commitment to the war on corruption and a torrid time for Ribadu, three-time winner of the Inspector-General’s Award, in 1997, 98 and 2000. Currently, however, this fact does not interest the PSC or Okiro, who also was promoted a Deputy Inspector-General from Commissioner, skipping the rank of Assistant Inspector-General. Ribadu’s demotion has thrown NIPSS into confusion. The former EFCC boss was admitted to the Senior Executive Course 30 of the institute based on his rank as an AIG. The minimum entry requirement for senior police officers for the programme is Commissioner of Police. But with the demotion, Ribadu, who is expected to graduate in September, has created a puzzle for the authorities of the institute.
NIPSS acting Director-General, Dr. Yakubu Sankey, admitted that there is a problem because Ribadu was more than half-way into the programme. “The development in the police is a surprise to us here; they sent him here and he is more than half-way through his programme, so what do we do? This is the first time we are facing this kind of situation. I am waiting for instruction from above. I don’t think it is wise for us to say anything on the issue, more so that police authorities have not briefed us on the demotion. Since we read it in the newspapers we cannot just tell him to go away on that basis,” Sankey told The PUNCH.
Sources said the Presidency has started pressuring the NIPSS to expel Ribadu for not possessing the minimum entry requirement. As at press time, Magu,one of the key officers in Ribadu’s EFCC, was still in detention. This is in spite of the fact that the incumbent administration’s policy of rule of law frowns at detention beyond 48 hours without a charge. As at the time of going to the press, Magu had been in detention for 96 hours!
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Ali Umar
11 August 2008 10:41I will make my comment only when I read the full details.
Thanks.
Alans Chi
11 August 2008 12:00Who is fooling who. They just included the extra names just to make it look real. We all know the target to be Ribadu, even it means to sacrifice HAz Iwendi. he is dead anyway so what difference does it make.
toyin adekanola
11 August 2008 12:09i think with what is happening to mr Ribadu it is time for nigerians especially our leaders to know that no condition is permanent,at the same time the police force should trend softly on this matter.
Dr Darl Egbu
11 August 2008 13:02The article must have been paid for by Obasanjo and his cronies, who do not want anything good for Nigeria.
If this article should fabricate such lies, “WHERE WERE THE WRITERS OF THE ARTICLE WHEN RIBADU AND OBASANJO WERE BUSY COMMITTING ATROCITIES IN NIGERIA?”
Ayour Pee
11 August 2008 13:35“….the guidelines for normal promotion include seniority and merit, minimum of three years on a rank, attendance of relevant promotion course and passing prescribed examination. Others, he said, include recommendation by the departmental selection board in respect of those attending departmental selection board interview and earning a good Annual Performance Evaluation Review, APER, grading over a period of three years” said the Chairman, PSC.
How many of these guidelines did Ribadu meet before his rapid promotion? According to ThisDay of today, Okiro, in his response to PSC’s enquiries on petitions (over undue promotions in the Police Force) wrote “AIG Ribadu’s promotions from DCP to CP and CP to AIG were effected with less than two (2) years APER (Annual Performance Evaluation Report) and was not backed up by Police Service Commission’s letters”
Fellow Nigerians, there is no point attaching unnecessary sentiments into this matter. Injustice is injustice and i personally believe that it is also fraudulent if OBJ awarded promotions that Ribadu deserve in 6 years to him under 2 years. Furthermore, just like Ribadu made those fraudulent government officials/contractors refund all (or part) of the money stolen, so should he be made to return the promotion he fraudulently collected. If i have my way, he should further be made to refund all the financial benefits accrued to him as a result of this man-know-man promotion. He who lives in a glass house dont throw stones …
UGOGBUZUE
11 August 2008 14:11ONLY IDIOTS COULD NOT SEE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN RIBADU. ONLY GOD WILL JUDGE THEM, YOU SERVED YOUR COUNTRY WELL. THEIR ACT IS NOTHING LESS THA INSTITUNILATION OF CORRUPTION —FULL STOP—.
Emeka Oranye
11 August 2008 16:16Nigeria is fast degrading to a kleptocratic nation where there is so much control by powerful individuals and government functionaries to the detriment of the entire population. Nigeria does not have well-tested, viable institutions that had made other great democracies ‘great’. The way & manner ‘Ribadu’ was promoted without recourse to the proper guidelines & principles governing promotion does not taste good to the conscience of the nation. In spite of his ‘fineness and good breed nature’ in his career, of course the laws are made to be followed.
In the other hand, I wonder why it took such a long time to discover this anomaly, after ‘Ribadu’ have been nominated and sent to NIPSS by the same Nigeria Police. Is this another case of hand of Esau but Voice of Jacob? Could there be a serious inconsistencies in the police organisation even in the way and manner police IG’s are appointed? Does Ribadu really deserve this embarassment as he was not the one that promoted himself in the first place? Nigeria Police is a serious let-down as an enforcer of law & order in the Nigeria society. Where will we even start from…?Let us watch and wait…what goes round will surely come round.
aremu odemole
11 August 2008 18:18During the era of immediate past government, the politicians and non-politicians arrested and tried for corruption are being classified by majority of the people as oppositions but not as innocent of the crime but now we are in the new government and we are awaiting theconviction or freedom of the oppositions and pro-government poiticians who are really corrupted. I fear if anyone would be found guilty of corruption. Good luck to Nigeria!
Taju Ajani
11 August 2008 18:34Well, without contesting the fact that Nuhu Ribadu did quite well as the EFCC boss, the fact of the illegality of his promotions should not be condoned. In the first place, it is an act of corruption to get promotion through ‘undue’ processes. There are numerouns gallant police officers who put their lives on the line nearly everyday in the course of their statutory duties who were not given ’special’ promotion. Haba, Alhaji Ribadu, being a lawyer, should have counselled the government of the day then, to follow the laid down procedure to get him promoted. He should have been compensated for his very good works of tackling the very corrupt ‘elite’ elements in our society. That way, all the current brouhaha would have been avoided. It is a pity he is being made the ‘fall guy’. Allah inana.
Mr Nigeria
11 August 2008 20:52Ribadu Should eat what he cooked.
Shima K Gyoh
11 August 2008 22:23You do not demote anyone unless they have committed an offence that attracts severe disciplinary action. Improper promotion that did not involve any misbehaviour on the part of the beneficiary should not attract demotion unless the reversal is done immediately. If the system fails to take timely action, it must not punish the staff for its own failure. However, the staff might be made to stay on that rank for a longer time till the proper time for normal catching up comes around—if they indeed did not merit the promotion. If any sanction must be applied, it should be on the person who did the wrong promotion. As a previous Director-General (Permanent Secretary) at the Federal level for 6½ years I should know.
Promotion by chronological progression is one of the worst debilitating diseases causing the Nigerian Civil service to rot alive. Keen productive staff must move together with the deadwoods. Staff exhibiting exemplary performance must be recognised and given sufficient incentives (including accelerated promotion) to encourage others to also excel.
How many of those who attended the courses and passed the examinations performed, compared with Nuhu Ribadu? It is common in Nigeria to find that (alleged) academic excellence is not often related to excellent performance on the job, but no one bothers about it. A doctor who graduated from Eastern Europe made an awful job of circumcising a boy, chopping off chunks of the glans penis here and there. The mother complained to the head of surgery. When the doctor was asked to explain, he was most angry and reeled out the string of degrees and distinctions he got at the university, and wondered how he could be questioned on such a simple operation as circumcision! I was a junior doctor then, and boiled as the expatriate Head of Department seemed apparently intimidated by the rude brute. It was typical. Wouldn’t you have preferred it done by a Nursing Superintendent that performs it faultlessly?
To punish and humiliate patriotism must be regarded as an abomination. Human beings are not perfect. How many of us would know how to use the power we have against the source that empowered us, and how long would we last? Where are all the praise singers of yesteryears, for example? There is much more to this story than meets the eye.
Shima K Gyoh.
Hillary Okoronkwo
12 August 2008 00:18Ribadu was an effective tool in the dirty hands of the new evil genius Obasanjo. Ribadu looked the other way when OBJ and his cronies mis-managed billions of dollars and the attack Ribadu was busy chasing down and biting OBJs enemies. Alams stole and Odili did not! Atiku was bad but Bode George and Tony Anenih both were good.
It is very disturbing to read comments from Nigerians who cannot see through their stuffed nose. Two wrongs cannot make a right. Both Ribadu and his prosecutors are on the wrong side of events in Nigeria. Where was Ribadu when $16 billion was spent on power and we only received more darkness.
A J Jaddeed
12 August 2008 07:37Poor Ribadu. A prophet has no honour even in his own house. Aondoakaa and Okiro: These guys and their teams are 100% adulterated and fake products. They will lead us to nowhere (except perdition and ruin). They have their heads screwed backwards and they are in the pocket of the LOOTERS ! They are only interested in the PAST (protecting the loot) and not the FUTURE of Nigeria. As for our wonderful Mr President, oga wake up ooo. This your boys will permanently tannish your image at the rate they are going. President Yar’Adua, what is the plan for fixing the roads, electricity, the crumbling infrastructure, and creating new jobs ? We can’t wait 50 years for answers ooo? A word for the wise…
This discussions helps us to finally know and separate the corruption-ridden elements of our society from the sane ones. From the above comments you can see obviously that Ayour Pee’s comments calls for Doctor’s office visit to check for Mental Retardation combined with a serious casw of possible ‘rum’ abuse ! Just like many of the kleptomanic retired governors (probably they are family relations ?)
As for the Nigeran police they should be disbanded and shipped to Darfur (Sudan). There they can minister their potbellies to the rest of the Daffurian humanity. They could control the cattle traffic and collect bribes from the cattle herders, who they will ask: oga wetin you carry , oya come setle me ! But then, that could be considered state sponsored terrorism by the ICJ ! A go laff ooo
John Nwosu
12 August 2008 07:44He should have expected that to happen when he went beyond his job scope and turned himself into a political tool for hounding perceived opponent e. It’s judgement time for all those that did hatchet job against the revered Turaki
Olaoluwa
12 August 2008 08:12I think these political terrorist called PDP are working for a traget…please,kindly remind them of Sadam and Abacha.They can not be wiser than God.I only pity YarAdua,they are pushing him to destruction because he is going to bite his finger at the end.
Okiro himself represent the devil.His tenor in lagos was full of lies,destruction,killing and all sort.so,i’m not surprised but he should know that his time is up
Prince of Peace is now in Charge for us
alabbey4
12 August 2008 09:12First, the first ploy was to use fictitious story like owning a huge house in Dubai. It is certain that Ribadu cannot be that stupid that he would go and buy whatever choice property in Dubai considering the war he is fighting with the cabals involved.
Second, the same system that produced the present IGP produced Ribadu too and Okiro cannot say that he was not aware of the recommendations that approved those officers promoted in the first instance. So, if gallantry can be single handedly used to elevate an officer, then why is that of Ribadu causing a different whirlwind tune. Let those behind this second attempt to bring Ribadu down try another option. Even if they strip him of the rank, we the public are watching and knows deep well in our hearts that this young man has written his name in Gold that can never be erased. God will always fight for those who stand on the path of truth.
olatundun
12 August 2008 10:26THE WHOLE ISSUE IS THAT YOU PROMOTED RIBADU SHOULD BE BLAMED ANYWAY. PARRY OSANYANDE SHOULD THIN VERY WELL ENHENCE FORTH HE IS GOING TO HAVE HIMSELF USED AND REGRET HIS ACTIONS. THE PROMOTION WAS DONE BEFORE WHY SHOULD THESE PEOPLE COME OUT TO TAL LIKE THIS. LET COMMONSENSE WORK HERE. RIBADU HAS DONE GOOD JOB LET THOSE CORRUPT PEOPLE TELL US THEIR ACIEVEMENT IFTHEY HAVE ONE ONLY BENCH WARMER. RIBADU SHOULD GO TO COURT TO SORT OUT PARRY OSANYANDE AKA MR PARISE DIG. ENEMY OF PROGRESS. IF AT ALL YOU GUY THINK RIBADU DOES NOT DESERVE DEMOTION NOW. YOU JUST WANT TO CONFUSE HIM MORE MR AGF TRY AND TELL YOUR IG THAT POSITION YOU WILL NOT BE THERE FOREVER THINK TWICE.
FOWOWE AKINOLA (AROLE)
12 August 2008 11:38WHAT EVER YOU PLANT ON GROUND YOU HARVEST WHAT RIBADU IS FASING NOW IS THE OUTCOME OF HIS STEWARDSHIP TO BABA OTTA FARM BY VICTINGMISING ANYBODY THAT IS AGAINST THEIR NEEDS SO IDONT HAVE ANY PITY FOR HIM AT ALL
Olumuyiwa Isaac
12 August 2008 11:39Nigeria keeps getting funnier everyday. This present government is made up of many Baba Salas and Zebrudaya Okorigwe Nwogbo Alia 4:30. Well, may God deliver us from them. This is all i can say on this issue!!!
Olumuyiwa Isaac
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
JamesFaridaIbori JARIDA for short
12 August 2008 12:44Yar Adua for the last time stop using me as an excuse to hound MALLAM RIBADU. PLs do something about electricity, Water, crumbling infrastructure, education. You collected money from me and others to fund your election, why must I be held totally responsible for your incapabilty. PLS DO YOUR WORK and leave me to enjoy my millions in south africa and other beautiful locations. It is my 50th birthday Bukola & Lucky are here Farida is joining us you are welcome, pls DONT BRING TURAI!
omo kabiyesi
12 August 2008 12:48NIGERIAN,we forget something easily,this was the reason anybody can rule us,people are now pleading for El mustafa and co.because we forget easily,this Ribadu was a major player in rubish election that was organised by OTA idiot in 2007.Ribadu used EFCC to harrassed better and qualified people from contesting the election,he physically campained against ATIKU,so i dont think any normal person should pity him,he is an anti democrat,why cannt he arrest BODE GEOGE,ANEHNI,IWU,and so on.
sugar stevenson
12 August 2008 15:23Ribadu Demotion is a calamity that has befell our most belove country the AGF and Okiro has have been desperate to destroy all the good achievement of a patrotic loyal officer who have serve his mother land even at the risk of his life.The evill that men do will certainly live with them.One day the AGF and Okiro will face the judgement day if not now with certainly later and if not by man then certainly by God .
Stanley Amanda
12 August 2008 15:26There is no need to play sentiment over this issue. The fact is that in any establishment, there must be procedures for promotion of its personnel. That of the Nigeria Police is no exception. I am a retired military officer and I am very much aware that in the Army, for you to get accelerated promotion, it must go through the due process, right from your section, to your company, to your battallion and so on and so forth. Ribadu is not the only officer that has performed exceptionally, there are so many others like that. The government of Obasanjo had overpriced Ribadu just because he was working for them. I am not against his accelerated promotion, but if falls due of the due process. Though, it is an embarrassment on the part of Ribadu to be so treated, he has no one to blame other than his god-father, because they did not do their home work properly. Maybe because they thought they were not going to leave the office again forever. Look at it gentlemen reading this piece, someone who joined the Police less than ten years and now AIG, ut is very unfair to the rest of the men. In the Army, except for some professionals who came to the Army as a graduate, and those promoted from the ranks, a Regular Combatant Officer will have to go through promotion examinations. No one can jump it, and if you failed three times, you are already on the way home, irrespective of how you are performing in your place of employment. So many officers who are though very good, performing well in their various offices but failed their exams have found their way home. I am not saying this is good, but this is the procedure and until it is changed, it has to be followed. This is a lesson to everyone that is in a position of authority. If you think, you are all in all, you must remember that you are not God. It is only God that can make a final decision, even the most powerful man in the world can not say, he has the last say, only God does. Ribadu was pompous during his days, it is a great lesson to everyone. There is a Yoruba adage that says, ‘Ti a ba ran omo ni ise eru, a fi t’omo je’. He doesnt need to be arrogant, yet he could still do his work without pompous and without fear or favour. He allowed himself to be used by the powers that be. I dont pity him at all. Yes, he is a very hardworking officer, but he allowed himself to be caught in the political war between rivals and he is now paying dearly for it.
Stanley Amanda
12 August 2008 15:43There is no need to play sentiment over this issue. The fact is that in any establishment, there must be procedures for promotion of its personnel. That of the Nigeria Police is no exception. I am a retired military officer and I am very much aware that in the Army, for you to get accelerated promotion, it must go through the due process, right from your section, to your company, to your battallion and so on and so forth. Ribadu is not the only officer that has performed exceptionally, there are so many others like that. The government of Obasanjo had overpriced Ribadu just because he was working for them. I am not against his accelerated promotion, but if falls due of the due process. Though, it is an embarrassment on the part of Ribadu to be so treated, he has no one to blame other than his god-father, because they did not do their home work properly. Maybe because they thought they were not going to leave the office again forever. Look at it gentlemen reading this piece, someone who joined the Police less than ten years and now AIG, ut is very unfair to the rest of the men. In the Army, except for some professionals who came to the Army as a graduate, and those promoted from the ranks, a Regular Combatant Officer will have to go through promotion examinations. No one can jump it, and if you failed three times, you are already on the way home, irrespective of how you are performing in your place of employment. So many officers who are though very good, performing well in their various offices but failed their exams have found their way home. I am not saying this is good, but this is the procedure and until it is changed, it has to be followed. This is a lesson to everyone that is in a position of authority. If you think, you are all in all, you must remember that you are not God. It is only God that can make a final decision, even the most powerful man in the world can not say, he has the last say, only God does. Ribadu was pompous during his days, it is a great lesson to everyone. There is a Yoruba adage that says, ‘Ti a ba ran omo ni ise eru, a fi t’omo je’. He doesnt need to be arrogant, yet he could still do his work without pompous and without fear or favour. He allowed himself to be used by the powers that be. I dont pity him at all. Yes, he is a very hardworking officer, but he allowed himself to be caught in the political war between rivals and he is now paying dearly for it.
Akwaaja Afundiogu
12 August 2008 16:13THE HUNTERS ARE NOW THE HUNTED. BE WARNED!
Akwaaja Afundiogu
akintola adeleye
12 August 2008 16:43Its good for Ribadu to be bashed by the power that made him,he has failed to
confront most of the currupt officer evcept some selected one.Let him feel what the cheated are feeling .Justice should be for everyone……………….
UKAGWU
12 August 2008 17:13PERSONALLY I AM NOT AT ALL TAKEN ABACK BY THE RECENT DEMOTIONS IN THE POLICE. IT IS THOUGH UNFORTUNATE THAT IT AFFECTED PEOPLE LIKE RIBUDU AND OTHER OFFICERS OF EXCELLENT STANDING. I THINK HOWEVER, THAT IT IS GOOD FOR THE SYSTEM FOR SUCH ACTS OF FAVOURITISM TO BE REDRESSED. FOR INSTANCE, THERE WAS NO IMPERICAL EVIDENCE THAT THOSE OFFICER PROMOTED AHEAD OF THEIR COLLEAGUES WERE THE ONLY ONES WHO COULD BE CLASSED AS DESERVING OF SUCH ACCELLARATED PROMOTIONS. IF THERE WERE PROVISIONS FOR ACCELLARATED PROMOTIONS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN WELL SPELT OUT AND MADE KNOWN TO ALL OFFICERS. I FEEL THAT TO JUST PICK A FEW OFFICERS ON FAVOURED POSTINGS FOR SUCH PROMOTIONS WAS BOUND TO GENERATE DISSATISFACTION, HATRADE, AND FRUSTRATION IN THE POLICE. TO ME, THE EXERCISE SHOULD ALWAYS SERVE TO MIND THOSE IN AUTHORITY AND THOSE CRAVING FOR FAVOURS THAT IT PAYS TO FOLLOW DUE PROCESS.
joneszo
12 August 2008 17:46bush meat don catch the hunter oooo he should also tell us how he spend his foriegn aids monies.we should stop the press war 4 a man who help rig election
andy o
12 August 2008 18:10I KNOW THAT NIGERIANS ARE NOT FOOLED BY ACTIONS OF THE INFAMOUS P.S.C. I WONDER WHY THE INFAMOUS P.S.C DID NOT DEMOTE OKIRO WHO WAS PROMOTED TWO STEPS ABOVE HIS PEERS TO BE COME A NOTORIUS, DIRTY JOBBER I.G . YAR ADDUA NIGERIANS ARE NOT FOOLED BY YOUR ANTHEM RULE OF LAW. DID YOU FOLLOW THE RULE OF LAW WHEN SUBTLY APPOINTED WAZIRI AS THE ALBATROSS OFTHE ANTICRIME FIGHTING UNIT IN NIGERIA? MR PRESIDENT ,LET IT BE KNOWN TO YOU THAT YOU THE MOST INCOMPETENT , LAZY, INDECISIVE ,DECITFUL AND BY YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH LIKES IBORI, SARAKI,AONDOKAA, THE MOST CORRUPTED NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS HAVE BEING CURSED WITH. THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE MATTER,RIBADU WILL BOUNCE BACK ONE DAY THEN YOU AND YOUR ILK WILL ACCOUNT FOR YOUR ATROCTIES AGAINST NIGERIANS
osigwe omo-ikirodah
12 August 2008 22:28well one thing we should know is that no matter how good a man can be if he is invovled in illegality he should pay for it.
ribadu started well but ended up protecting obasanjo and prosecuting his enemies so he should pay for that.after all nelson mandela divorced winnie even after her sacrifice she made.
wayo na wayo no matter what.
JUDE O A
13 August 2008 07:59This is Okiro and his allied’s way of taking their own pound of flesh back from Ribadu because of the later’s disrespect for them while he was in power.
mezu paschal
13 August 2008 14:48well, its just a reminder to everyone that nothing is permanent in this world. One should not use his office against people cos you don,t know tomorrow. its a lesson to ribadu.
abdulazeez adeniyi, S/Africa.
13 August 2008 15:13I think it is too early to start making coments now, i will rather wait and see how this drama is going to end. we often forget that power and position are transcient and we should make good use of it.
mathias
13 August 2008 15:27I HONESTLY DOUBT IF RIBADU IS THE TARGET IN THIS DEMOTIONAL SAGA. SOME OFFICERS ENLISTED INTO THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE RIBADU, AND THEY HAVE BETTER EDUCATIONAL QUALITIFICATION AS WELL. BUT TODAY, THEY HAVEN´T REACHED THE RANK WHICH RIBADU HAS BEEN DEMOTED TO.
YES, HE DID A GOOD JOB AS THE BOSS THEN IN THE EFCC, BUT SOMETHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING WELL. HE WASN´T THE ONLY GOOD OFFICER IN THE COMMISSION. IF HE MUST BE PROMOTED BASE ON THE JOB IN THE EFCC THEN, OTHER OFFICERS THAT WORKED WITH HIM SHOULD ALSO THE RECOGNISED AND GIVEN PROMOTION.
mitchell
13 August 2008 15:43Ribadu is not exceptional as portrayed in some quaters. Ribadu’s EFCC is just nothing but a hypocrist. There is always the payback time. We human beings should always know that whatever we sow is what we shall reap. We Nigerians instead of working hard to attain an enviable position prefers to be sycophants so as to climb the ladder. The product is celebration of mediocrity and placement of a square peg in a round hole. In the first place, Ribadu is not even qualified to head an important body like EFCC based on experience and you can see his conduct while in office. He is just a stooge and a willing tool in the hands of his masters. If EFCC is not biased under Ribadu, Nigerians would have known even during the OBJ’s regime about the scams and looting in the power projects. This man Ribadu is not the messiah.He should be happy that this government is more understanding than OBJ’s. If it was in the other way , Ribadu is supposed to be persecuted the same way Abacha’s men were persecuted during the eight years OBJ was in control.
Kingsley Dimgba
14 August 2008 07:41It is a shame that our President has allowed himself to be hijacked by just a few corrupt cabals -Ibori, Saraki and Justice Minister. And he calls himself President when he is being pushed to approve things against his better judgement. What he has just shown us is that massive looting of the nation’s treasury should continue unchecked. Even if Ribadu did selective prosecution, it does not remove the fact that those prosecuted had cases to answer. I call on the international community to intervene as I see our nation slippiing into anarchy and poverty of a dimension never recorded in any part of the world because of the massive looting that will follow.
Oseghale JAcob
14 August 2008 09:46This is a dicey situation. It is now a question of two wrongs trying to make a right. The fact is that Ribadu did well no matter what people may say, giving the corrupt Nigeria climate that do exist. Arresting and trying some perceived untouchables was a mile achievement on his part, irrespective of the fact that some corrupt personalities were still perceived to be untouchables like the Anenih’s and the Bode George’s, at least Ribabu initiated the process of fighting corruption for that Nigerians are really grateful and for this he was promoted may be duly. The fact is did the promotion follow due process, the answer is capital NO. Then my question is who should be blamed or held accountable, my answer is the IG and the police service commission because nobody heard any word from them at the earliest time on the issue of the promotion. It is not only Ribadu that was promoted or demoted but the average Nigerian believe that it is all about Ribadu and I think the government should have know better for he is a man that is liked by most Nigerians. There are cases of people getting promotion that they dont deserve like the IG for Ogbonnaya Onovo is his senior, What do the government have to say to that? And what of those that commited a crime or fail in their duties by giving wrong promotions? Nigerians are waiting for what kind of punishment they will get. Nigerians re following with key interest the role been played by the likes of Ibori, Saraki and Others, we seem to forget too easily what happens to the likes of abacha, Saddam, Al mustaphan, sunday awoniyis.
Mr GODKNOWS
14 August 2008 11:19This is a good lesson to Ribadu and co who rely on godfathers for their achievements and also to the Politictians and The so called traditional rulers who bastardised our institutions.My appeal go to the sympathiser’s of the opportunists(RIBADU’S &CO) to stop dissipating energy and resources on this non-issue as Ribadu and 139 others already knew themselves that they never deserved that promotion through back door. KUDOS to PSC for being courageous to start the sanitation as this will provide a level opportunity for every police officer and discourage these set of ‘eye service’ , bootlickers ,gossipers and desperate officers and their “neverknowGod” godfathers.
Diso
14 August 2008 11:50Well for me this is not the solution rather than frustrating the Ribadu’s and other top police officers, who are ready to contribute their quota towards their assignment. Lastly lets bygone be bygone look for the better solution to eradicate corrupt leaders from our grate country.
festus edevbie
14 August 2008 11:50I dont know why it appears as if EFCC or what-ever is and should be the only institution fighting corruption, there appears to be a serious problem with the Nigerian police force in tackling corruption, in other parts of the world, it is the sole responsibility of the police to fight crime and corruption, for example if you commit financial crime in England and America no matter how highly placed you are, the police will be the first institution to move, I personally believe that EFCC was not created by obj government to fight corruption, but solely and primarily created as a political tool, and that is why there has been so much irregularities and problems from and facing ribadu, things need to be done right, the police service commision has a strong case for the demotion as there was so much irregularities, it’s just yet another short-comings and irregularities inherited from obj administration
Tunde Benjamin .A. Onadipe
14 August 2008 13:37LEARDERS (BOTH POLITICAL, SPIRITUAL OR ORGANIZATIONAL) BEWARE; WHAT YOU SOW IS WHAT YOU WILL REAP NO MATTER HOW LONG
Olugbo 1
14 August 2008 14:00Ribadu had international reputations for job well done. Although he was used by Obasanjo, he did a job for Nigeria. Those who are planning to arrest Ribadu should be ashame of themselves. Corruption is everywhere in Nigerian government, every Nigerian politicians have the mind of stealing money from the government. Just look at the kind of house where IBB is living, Obasanjo’s new mansion, even the cusrtoms and police officers are all corrupt. What about Nigerian judges? EFCC can only arrest, but they can’t prosecute anyone. IBB should give account of $12billion he stole from Nigeria. EFCC should arrest IBB, Abubakar, and Obasanjo, they should give account of their stewardship. EFCC should start from the top. Olugbo 1
ahmed tijjani saleh
14 August 2008 15:22well the truth is always bold enogh to stand on its own,ribadu make a history as far as this country nigeria is concerned.thank.s
Sam Erhagbai
14 August 2008 16:56Nigeria, Nigeria. It is sad we have people like Stanley Amanda and Ayour Pee in this century. No matter what Ribadu did wrong that some Nigerian do not like he still deserve to be praised. Nigeria would have been worst of if not for him. I live in the most developed part of the world. The current US administration hired justice department prosecutors based on their political leaning. This is considered to be improper after a probe. The hired prosecutos were not fired based on that. Those who hired them were reprimanded and a new policy instituted to guide against preventing future ocurrence. Ribadu should be made the inspector general of police and all the corrupt practices in the police will be wipped out clean. Ribadu is a great man. Those of you in position of powers today be mindful, you never know what tomorrow will bring if you continue in this manner. Mr president it seems like you are a rubber stamper.
nzekwe Asugha
14 August 2008 18:09Dont cry for Ribadu. He deserves every bit of what he is getting. If he had done a good job, even yar dua would been stopped from being installed, cause he harrassed and intimidated very many candidates who where challenging the otta dictator. Ribadu behaved as if he was de facto head of state. Hid accelerated promostion by the dictator of ott was a slap in the face of other hard working policemen all over the nation. Nothing will be complete untill obasanjo is brought to justice. It happened in Zambia, it happened in malawi and ours wont be an exception. Obj deserves to go to jail. He destroyed Nigeria and sowed the seed for the present confusion by his arbitrariness. Posterity will judge him harshly. He ruled us for eight wasted years and inflicted pain, darkness, corruption and wickedness on the citizens. He will go back to prison because that is where he belongs.
The demotion of Ribadu is a step in the right direction. Let us begin to do things right and forget all these noise about rIbadu.
The BEE
14 August 2008 19:45What goes around will come around. Okiro, Osayande, Aondoakaa and all the rest of them will get what they deserve in the end. Nod doubt this is a witch hunt. THey have many other options to redress whatever issue they had with the promotions, but they intentionally chose the option that will humiliate RIbadu. Well, we know who is dictating the tune. Let those who believe in the gllantry of Ribadu continue to pray for him. He needs it, in fact that is all he has right now and it may just be enough for him to know that people appreciate all he did. Thise who are after him will not stop until there is nothing further they can do. All I hear is that he was used as a toll to go after Obsanjo’s enemies, tell me any of these enemies that is not a rogue and I will agree with you.
nwoko u.n
15 August 2008 10:47I will not cry for Nuhu Ribadu. It will amount to loss of precious time to do that. I thought all along that this guy was a nice guy. But for not speaking out against 2003 and 2007 elections, I had my reservations. He gave our fomer dictator president a clean bill of health as to the management of our treasury and economy. But now we know better. He was like bread and butter with the other holier than thou fellow - el Rufia. But the story now informs followers of events better.
We have heard of the Hunter being Hunted. What is wrong if Ribadu is probed?
Oluseyi Said.
15 August 2008 15:12Nigerians let us all wake up and say no to all dis atrocities, pls let us all pray to God for help cos it is only God that can help us in this country of ours.Am crying dont even no what to write anymore God
OBIABO BAMEYI JAMES
15 August 2008 18:54Today it is Huhu Ribadu Tomorrow is going to be Mr. Rule of Law. Lets learn how to do the right things at the right time. Ribadu commits no crime and he should not be disgraced the way things are unfolding in Nigeria. Is it a crime to do a good Job?. Are the people he presecuted not guilty for all the offences they commited?. Should one not be reward for doing a good job?. It happen in Civil Service. Mr Ribadu deserved to be promoted above his colleagues if his performance is outstanding amongst his colleaques
Otunba Timi Oloye
15 August 2008 22:29I am very disappointed about the quality of human beings being paraded at the Nigerian presidency. Let me start by naming men of the Armed forces that had benefited from accelerated promotions as it is known all over the world. Accelerated promotion becomes valid once it is signed by the President in whose era the beneficiary (ies) were so honored. Starting from General Yakubu Gowon , in 1966 after the second military coup of July29th, Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon was promoted to the rank of a Major General. He omitted the ranks of Colonel and Brigadier in an effort to empowered him to discharge his new duty of head of state effectively well.
In 1976 after the coup that sent General Yakubu Gowon packing, Brigadier Murtala Muhammad was promoted over the head of his senior Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo when the former became the head of state. Also, newly promoted Brigadier Yakubu Danjuma was promoted again over the head of his Brigade Commander, Brigadier Ilya D. Bissala. When General Muhammad was massacred by the Lt. Col. Bukar S. Dimka coupists on February 13th 1976, a young Lt. Col. in the person of Shehu Musa Yar’adua was promoted to the rank of Brigadier over his course mates and seniors and offered the appointment of the nations 2nd in command. A certain senior Col. of course 7 in 1969 in the person of Col. Tunde Afolabi was sidelined in the Army’s ST Corps with his juniors becoming his commanders,nobody raised any eyebrow. Ladies and Gentlemen, Stakers in the entity known as Nigeria, please, stop embarrassing Nigerians in the comity of Nations. Restore Ribadu and the other affected officers back to their ranks. Are the powers that be now going to back out of the numerous agreement reached with the international community by the Olusegun Obasanjo government? or will they reverse the gains of his govt. This is cheer hypocricy! Let these gladiators concentrate on the provision of electricity, portable water and all the good things of life with this energy they are dissipating in bringing other peoples down from their ivory tower. Nigeria we Hail Thee!
Akilo
16 August 2008 07:07There is no honor among thieves. As disturbing as Ribadu’s removal is, You cannot align with the devil (Obasanjo), and expect to come out unscathed. Off course we know that people are trying to get Ribadu out of the way, but that is Naija Politics 101. The real question is what are Nigerians going to do about it. It seems that we are so passive, that these politicians are beginning to understand our Psyche, and it has emboldened them. The sad part is that there is no real incentive for any elected official to do anything when they get elected. Why should they?. Nigerians themselves don’t care, why should they. My people, let us not waste our time talking about the significance of Ribadu’s current ordeal. The basic fact of the matter is that you live by the gun, and so shall you die by the gun. The only reason why everybody was making noise about Ribadu in the first place, was because he was new, and he gave us the impression of someone who was incorruptible, but we in reality things were different. It’s just like when people say Naija is changing, people are making it. Well my question is how can the country be getting better, when we know billions of DOLLARS NOT NAIRA were allocated for Electricity,, Police Fund, Roads , and there is nothing on the ground to show for it. There is no sense of outrage, nobody is or protesting that how can 16 billion DOLLARS meant for power supply not be accounted for, even it was 1 billion dollars. Even the NLC is not protesting, but they will protest about some stupid Fuel Hike price.
I am really pessimistic about this country. It seems to me that we Nigerians suffer from what I call Ignorance of Convenience.
AIG08
16 August 2008 12:20It is a pitty for Ribadu because he headed the group that recommended Yaradua to Obasanjo. He practically worked for Yaradua’s
election and scared away other better contestants. Yaradua will be worse than Obasanjo after his tenure. Now no development is taking place all over the states except Lagos and few other states. The governor are just looting without and hinderance since EFCC has been incapacitated.
CAPTAIN GODO
16 August 2008 15:21OKIRO SKIPPED AIG RANK?,THEN HE MUST BE DEMOTED.OSAYANDE A FORMER FINE OFFICER IN THE POLICE,ACT NOW OR YOUR NAME WILL BE TARNISHED.
Shola Oremade
16 August 2008 15:25My comments about the so-called tribunal in Oshogbo( Oyinlola& Aregbesola) was not published. Why now asking for my comments about Ribadu? because one of your directors was his chief of staff.
Shola Oremade
Canada.
Shola Oremade
16 August 2008 15:36For Ribadu, one should take notice of the bibilical injunction that says who ever thinks he stand should be very careful so that he does not fall. Ribadu was runing EFCC like his private property.For Ribadu to say Obasanjo was not corrupt ,he must be out of mind.
Obasanjo is responsible for his downfall, Obasanjo I know is a sadist and a trickster.
Shola Oremade
Canada.
Dickson Saiubu
16 August 2008 18:28Thank you for this master piece. I believe that with your outfit, there is still hope for unbaised journalism. Ribadu will for sure expose the hypocisy and weakness of the present administration to the world. The world will see Yar’adua’s government as a symbol of corruption. The hard implications is that they may give the military a reason to come back. It is likely going to be the case if the reward for patriotic acts by people like Ribadu, Magu, Larmorde etc is what we are seeing today. Yar’adua can not convince the world that he is clean when he surrounds himself with highly corrupt people like the Attorney general, Okiro, Osayande etc.
chinomso
16 August 2008 21:26Many times in my thinking moments,i see Nigeria as a nation that has no future,a nation rule by fools that can not even write thire names correctly,people like orji Kanu of Abia state who did not even go to secondary school.People like the Great Ribadu should be our president.Formaly i was thinking that our president is intelligent but thire is no difference between him and others.Ribadu you are great and u will be great till you die,
Eli Jar
17 August 2008 16:56Mr Rule of law should be careful with these so call ex- governors. They will ruin u. I can see your down fall coming because you are no longer sincere with your so call rule of law and zero tolerance for corruption. Nigerian that love this country should please pray for Mr President. Thank you.
George olajide
17 August 2008 20:12Weep not for Ribadu but for Nigeria.This gentleman is been hunted because of the great job he has done in fighting corruption an area the likes of Osayande,okiro,Tafa had failed.I smell envy in what is happening How can a young man of less than 50yrs of age become the I.G and stop bribery and corruption that has eaten deep into the Nigeria Police.
I hope this elders are not sending wrong signals to the youths who are looking for ways of serving their fatherland Diligently and meritoriously.I now agree with the saying that Nigeria always slaughter MERITOCRACY on the alter of MEDIOCRITY.Do not worry Nuhu God is behind you.All this corrupt forces combine together can not and will never overcome you.