Ribadu’s return excites Adamawa politicians
Ribadu returned to Nigeria at the weekend after about two years sojourn in a foreign land. Teneke told Sunday Trust that his kinsman’s return calls for celebrations, adding that for Adamawa people, it was a great reunion with a worthy son of the land who has done the country proud but was unfairly treated. But […]
Ribadu returned to Nigeria at the weekend after about two years sojourn in a foreign land.
Teneke told Sunday Trust that his kinsman’s return calls for celebrations, adding that for Adamawa people, it was a great reunion with a worthy son of the land who has done the country proud but was unfairly treated.
But while the people of Adamawa have rolled out drums to receive their son who has returned to reality, the Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun state, could not wait a little longer to honour the returning former EFCC boss.
The university honoured him with an Honorary Degree (Honous Causas) in law as part of the ceremony marking the 8th graduation ceremony of the Seventh Day Adventist church-owned ivory tower.
According to the Vice-chancellor, Prof. Kayode Makinde, the need to honour Ribadu was borne out of his commitment to the eradication of corruption in Nigeria between 2001 and 2007.
Makinde who spoke with Sunday Trust through his Chief of Staff, Dr. Israel Olaore, affirmed that the contribution of the former EFCC boss could not be overemphasized in addressing the corruption menace in the public and private sector of the economy.
“But, you will agree with me that the era of Nuhu Ribadu as the head of the anti-corruption campaign witnessed a tremendous positive development. The public and private sectors were on their toes. He really ensured that anti-graft campaign was successful.”
He added that the decision to honour him from the fact adduced above, “is so clear and unambiguous. We are giving him that honour (Honorary Degree; Honous Causa Law) because of this important crusade he championed successfully.”
In Adamawa, his family houses at Bako ward in Yola town are wearing new looks.
Already, relatives, friends as well as supporters are meeting at Suleiman Ribadu and Ahmadu Ribadu houses in the ancient town of Yola to give their brother who was on self-exile in the United Kingdom a rousing reception.
It was gathered that the chairman of Yola South local government area, Sani Ribadu, a younger brother to the former anti-corruption chief, was also mandated to hold a ‘’befitting reception’ at his new house along Yola by-pass.
It was learnt that Ribadu may accompany president Goodluck Jonathan to Yola on a state visit scheduled for Tuesday.
President Jonathan is billed to launch the national campaign on access to education in Adamawa on Tuesday during which he is also expected to make consultations with some stakeholders in the state.
Apart from the family’s arrangement to receive Ribadu in Yola, his admirers are also planning to stage an elaborate solidarity rally for him.
The state’s chairman of the Adamawa Concerned Citizens, Alhaji Salihu Usman Tola, told Sunday Trust that the group was glad to know that Ribadu was let off the hook by Jonathan’s administration.
Tola who holds the title of Sarkin Yakin Tola, said, ‘’we will stage a solidarity rally for Nuhu Ribadu when he comes back.’’
According to him, ‘’we want people like Ribadu to represent us, not gladiators who are bent on deceiving us. I believe if Ribadu wants to join the murky water of politics, they will not find it easy with him as a dogged fighter.’’
He assured that his group will campaign for Ribadu. “Already, we are making plans to start campaigns for him ahead of 2011. We want people who could take us to greater heights not looters.’’
Sunday Trust also gathered that there are plans by the presidency to introduce Ribadu to some powerful politicians in the state and also to reconcile him with some of his perceived foes in the state, “You know, while in the EFCC, Ribadu, not infallible, might have offended some political bigwigs. So, there are moves to reconcile him with such people,’’ a source said.
The travails of Ribadu started when he was sent on a one year course to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos by the police force. Ribadu protested but lost. He was removed as EFCC chairman, and was later demoted from the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police on August 5, 2008 to Deputy Commissioner of Police. Police Service Commission said his earlier promotion did not follow due process as it was not approved by the PSC.
On December 23, 2008, the former EFCC boss was finally dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force. However, he was let off the hook by the Code of Conduct Tribunal following the Federal Government‘s withdrawal of the non-declaration of assets charge pending against him before the Tribunal. The same Police Service Commission rescinded its earlier decision, reinstated the rank and retired him from the police force.