₦airaland Forum

OsunAmazon:
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu may seek asylum abroad, Nigeria risks diplomatic sanctions

By Oluwole Josiah, Abuja, with agency report

Indication emerged on Friday that the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, may have either slipped out of the country or gone underground in order to save his life. In fact, a United States-based Nigerian news agency, Empowered Newswire, reports that unconfirmed speculations indicated that the anti -corruption Czar may have sought asylum in an unnamed western nation. Checks in the Adamawa State capital, Yola, where he was said to have gone to on Thursday, indicated that his family members were not sure of his whereabouts.





His latest move follows growing global perception that Ribadu's personal security may be under threat, especially after he revealed to an international watchdog, Human Rights Watch, that his life was being threatened.

Already, there are plans by human rights and pro-democracy groups in the US to challenge Ribadu's persecution by the Federal Government. Besides, HRW officials are said to be planning an advocacy war against the Federal Government and its agencies regarding Ribadu's fate, who was recently prevented from graduating with other members of his class at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

Besides, another pro-democracy group of Nigerians based in the US, Citizens for Nigeria, has warned that the country can no longer tolerate the harassment of the former anti-corruption czar.

The group, which campaigned successfully abroad against former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida's bid to return to power in 2007, will also open an international diplomatic fight against the Nigerian government over Ribadu's matter.

A source warned that the image of President Umaru Yar'Adua's government would suffer terribly once respected human rights groups such as the HRW and US-based Nigerians commenced the campaign.

This is especially so as Nigeria is currently holding the chairmanship slot of the United Nations Human Rights Council and is also seeking membership of the Security Council, both at the non-permanent and permanent levels.

In fact, at the UN, it is believed that Nigeria's anti-corruption fight, which was a source of global pride some years ago, may have become a laughing stock given deep-seated concerns about Ribadu.

Confirming plans by the HRW to embark on an international advocacy campaign on the Ribadu matter, the group's Senior Researcher on West Africa, Corinne Dufka, said, "We're doing quite a bit of advocacy with the US, United Kingdom, ECOWAS, UN (through UNOWA) and AU."

Also, in a statement by the CFN's Chris Odediran in New Jersey, USA, the group accused the Yar'Adua administration of leading the world to believe it respected the rule of law and focused on the war against corruption, "but has by its actions demonstrated an unmistakable disdain for the symbol of the war, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu."

Meanwhile, some British lawmakers on a fact-finding tour to Nigeria have expressed concerns over Nigeria's war against corruption. Briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the parliamentarians, under the auspices of the British All Parliamentary Group on Nigeria, warned that there was a sense from their visit that Nigeria was waiting at a crossroads.

They also said the Nigerian government and the people needed to demonstrate leadership, if the path to greater prosperity and justice would be achieved. Although they did not make any specific reference to recent development at the EFCC, the lawmakers said their findings revealed that corruption was still ravaging the country.

Speaking on behalf of the team, MP Michael Connarty, said, "Lastly, but perhaps most fundamentally to all of these things, we heard how corruption continues to eat away at progress and prosperity across all walks of life in Nigeria."

He noted that visiting parliamentarians were saddened by the violence in Jos, Plateau State and had urged all communities to realise their common interest in supporting themselves as Nigerians and resist those who sought to divide them.

Connarty, however, said the delegation was impressed by the determination of Nigerians to build on the important reforms of recent years, adding that there was a central need to improve power supply in order to lift the people from poverty. The APPG was formed in April 2006 from what had originally been the Niger Delta All Party Parliamentary Group.

Also, at a media luncheon on Friday, the European Delegation to Nigeria said the fight against corruption in Nigeria would continue to receive its support in the year 2009. The Acting Head of Mission, Mr. Denis Thieulin, said the commission recognised Ribadu's efforts. He said, "Ribadu did very well at the EFCC, he gave direction and strength to the fight against corruption, but we will still continue to support the fight against corruption."


http://odili.net/news/source/2008/dec/6/403.html

Bullshit!

This guy tire me

BecomeRich:
mai suya, we are from your people. we want to get rid of you people, once and for all,

How?

You cant do shit,we will continue to rule your sorry ass

he's got skeletons in his closet

sry!

auwal87:
@lucabrasi
Are you ready to die for Nigeria?

China is also an axle of Evil, and a seat of capitalism. No freedom of Press in China, you cannot write anyhow on a forum like this in China. Please stop comparing Nigeria with China. But you can compare them on two things, Nigeria denied the Biafran Independence, and China also denied the Tibetian Independence.

CORRECT!

To facilitate carrying of snatched ballot boxes!

wetin dey worry this guy?

Embattled erstwhile Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu yesterday kept the DIG Ogbonnaya Onovo –led disciplinary committee waiting endlessly as he again failed to show up to defend himself over allegations of insubordination against him.

The police had following the refusal of Ribadu to respond to about three queries fired him by the Police hierarchy set up a seven-man panel to try him for insubordination. The committee is meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess, Kaduna.

Although, the disciplinary committee which started its sittings on Monday was billed to try other Police officers for various offences, Ribadu was billed to appear before it yesterday.

However indications that the Adamawa-born cop would shun the panel emerged in Abuja on Wednesday when he approached the ECOWAS Court for protection, owing to the on-going strike by Judicial workers.
He had through his counsel, Charles Muse sued both the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Mike Okiro, to press home his point that constitutional provisions forbade the IGP from setting up a panel to try him.

Feelers from Abuja indicated that the IGP and the Attorney-General and minister of justice, may have received the court papers. But as the time of filing this report, Daily Sun learnt authoritatively that the panel was yet to receive a word from either Ribadu or his counsel to ascertain whether or not he was going to appear before the panel.

The panel which started its sitting by 10a.m yesterday was yet to rise as at the time of filing this report.
Daily Sun further learnt that the panelists were likely to wait till 5.pm before rising for the day.
Asked why the panelists may want to stay till that late, a source told Daily Sun that "you know Ribadu is a smart guy. If they rise now, he can just sneak in later and go out and then claim that he came but there was nobody to attend to him. And since police work administratively closes by 5p.m or 6p.m, the panelists may probably stay till then before they close," the source volunteered.
Meanwhile, there are strong indications that the panel sitting in Kaduna may recommend Ribadu’s sack at the end of its sitting. The panel was set up to try Ribadu and other police officers for various offences.
But while other officers standing trial were said to have appeared before the panel to defend themselves, Ribadu did not show up.

A police source told Daily Sun that "if the man is sacked today, the question of not being given a fair hearing will certainly not arise. I can therefore assure you that the police would have been seen to have followed due process in sacking Ribadu. And I am sure, the panel will recommend for his sack. All the PSC need do to is to act on the recommendation as appropriate.
"And let me also add that even if the committee recommends for his sack, the PSC may still invite him to hear from him, before taking its decision. But one thing I can assure you is that Ribadu’s days are numbered in the police," the police source quipped.
As at the time of filing this report, the committee was still waiting, hoping against hope that Ribadu may still show up.

The Sun South-East Economic Summit
Stone corrupt leaders –Ohakim
•VP, Ekweremadu, Peter Obi, T.A. Orji insist zone must work together
•FG to adopt report of summit
By Sun News Publishing
Friday, December 5, 2008


•From left, Prof A.B.C Nwosu, former Health Minister, Chairman, Gov. Peter Obi (Anambra) and Ikedi Ohakim (Imo), at the opening of The Sun South-East Economic Summit in Owerri yesterday.
Photo Ayodele Ojo
More Stories on This Section
Imo State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim yesterday advocated a radical approach to the battle against corruption when he demanded that those who steal from the public will be stoned to death.

Ohakim was speaking at the first-ever South-East Economic Summit, which kicked off yesterday at the Concorde Hotel, Owerri.

The governor’s recommendation came on the heels of that of Vice President Goodluck Jonathan who equally had harsh words for corruption, even as he noted that the summit being organized by The Sun newspapers, in collaboration with the five state governments of the South-East zone would provide the necessary fillip needed to re-launch the zone into global economic reckoning.

Delivering his keynote address at the opening of the summit, the governor identified corruption, which he likened to the sabotage that contributed in no little way to the Igbo losing the civil war, as a major factor militating against the development of the zone and said something drastic must be done if the zone is to be bailed out of the present quagmire.

“Stealing from our people should be treated as an abomination. For any Igbo leader to steal from the people is like taking from the right pocket and putting in the left pocket. It is mere transference and not addition. Because of what we went through during the civil war, any leader who steals from the people should be stoned. It is apparent that those responsible for the confusion in Igboland were saboteurs during the civil war. If they are young men, it is possible that their parents were saboteurs during the war.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has praised the first South East economist summit, saying it is capable of charting the roadmap for the economic rejuvenation and development of the region, even as it promised to seriously study the report of the summit for inclusion in the global development agenda of the Yar’Adua administration.

Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, who stated this in his goodwill message at the summit specifically said that the parley would address problems of infrastructure, especially power supply, road transportation, food security, ecological and environment developments, access to international markets, education and committed measures to address internal security.
He also demanded greater economic cooperation amongst the governments of the five south eastern states.

The vice president, who was represented by the Finance Minister, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, lamented the plights of the youths in the region, especially as regards employment, urging the conference to fashion out modalities of creating more employment opportunities that would keep them engaged.
He commended The Sun Publishing Limited for convening the first South-East Economic Summit, saying that the deliberations and recommendations of the summit would not only provide a platform for the regional development of the South East, but also serve as a model for the rest of the country.
“It could also be critical in meeting the aspirations of the Nigerian nation of becoming one of the top 20 economies in the world by year 2020.

“The theme of the summit, ‘Igwebuike’, which is harnessing efforts for south east economic and social renaissance was carefully chosen to rekindle, redirect and restore the very fabric of entrepreneurship, ingenuity and compassion which the Igbos have come to be known for in Nigeria.
“I am sure that these issues would be adequately addressed and thoroughly deliberated on within this summit theme and that consensus would be reached amicably on how to move the region and the nation forward. The FG is looking forward keenly in receiving the recommendations as this would be very critical in both our country’s economic developments and our collective race as a nation to be one of the 20 largest economies in the world by year 2020,” the vice president said.

Jonathan said Nigeria had witnessed remarkable progress under the present administration’s development agenda recording macro economic stability and increasing foreign reserves, which he linked to prudent management of fiscal and monetary policies. “The economic fundamentals in Nigeria have been sufficiently strong to weather the global economic crisis,” he said, adding that the falling oil prices had forced the government to streamline spending.

“Your state governments would have a crucial role to play in partnering with the Federal Government in order for us to successfully achieve this programmes and deliver on promises to reduce poverty and attain the millennium development goals,” he stated.
He said the Federal Government was committed to support regional development efforts and was not relenting in the fight against corruption.

“Our quest as a nation for becoming one of the 20 top economies in the world by 2020 cannot be realized without the cooperation of the sub-national governments and the private sector.
“It is in view of this that we encourage the state governments to design their vision 2020 plans. Efforts have also been intensified to increase public and private participation in the nation’s development process.

“I strongly urge you to intensify the involvement of the private sector as well as professional institutions, academia, Diaspora groups, advocacy groups, and non-governmental organisations in your regional development efforts and to encourage them to take full advantage of the synergies, opportunities and collective will that abound in the South-East geo-political zone.
“You should leave the summit with an even stronger commitment to work together as a region to facilitate attainment of your and the nation’s development goals” the vice president said.

In an emotion-laden speech, Gov. Ohakim said by the summit, Ndigbo have taken one of the most significant steps towards reclaiming and re-energizing the Igbo nation. Ohakim who was the chief host of the summit said that it was the first of a major gathering of Ndigbo in Nigeria to seriously address the economic liberation of the people of the region since the end of Mkpoko Igbo gathering in Enugu in March 1994. However, the governor said he was not losing sight of the annual gathering of Ndigbo in the United States under the auspices of the World Igbo Congress.

“But I think what we are here to do today is a serious business! Mkpoko Igbo focused on the political future of our people within the context of the proposed constitutional conference under Gen. Sani Abacha. The World Igbo Congress annually wrestles with both political and economic questions. But this summit is strictly focused on the economic future of the Ndigbo within the context of emerging trends both in Nigeria and the rest of the world.”

Governor Ohakim disclosed that he took the summit seriously “because we are Ndigbo…I will say because we are a strong people; we are an enterprising people; we are a creative people; we have competitive spirit; we have self confidence; we are daringly adventurous; we can take ourselves to any height we want.”

He therefore stated that Ndigbo should not by anyway remain backward even when their adversaries wish them so.
“Even though we lost everything, we came out of the war more enterprising, borrowing from the ingenuity of transforming a highway into Uli International Airport. Now is the time for us to pull together to crate economic power greater than individuals. This we must do in spite of what others wish for us, because we are Ndigbo!”

Ohakim also demanded that more attention be paid to education of youths.
“Corporate institutions have muscles to influence the course of events in the country, better than the seductive obsession with sole proprietorships that simply nourish the ego of their owners.”

i volunteer!

yemmyse:
Trust me no other leader brought so much progress economically.

Some people have eyes but they can't see

wat hope do we hav when even the youths in this forum are a bunch of ethnic bigots.

Pastor PLC:
Muza was trying to cause trouble here

U hav confirmed to other nairalanders wat i said about u.

[quote author=Ebony-Silk link=topic=203949.msg3191517#msg3191517 date=1228602423]@post
Worst Nlers:

Pastor PLC [/quote] LMFAO

Worst NairaLander ever

PastorPLC

[quote author=*Hauwa* link=topic=203949.msg3187527#msg3187527 date=1228519770]muza, let go suyaing and burukutuing and then mu buga dongo hausawa.

now go to jos before i deal with you. shobaka!!![/quote]ba kya jin hausa sosai,idan na miki dogon hausa baza ki gane ba.

yemmyse:
BigB1

don't drink and drive. don't drink and browse. It endangers the public.

Kai,Must you spam the entire NL,ne?

[quote author=*Hauwa* link=topic=203949.msg3187488#msg3187488 date=1228519261]kweenisha don allah don anabi, na hutu fa walai.
ne ba seni abu wanda ki na rubutu fa

[/quote]This your hausa is not fluent.

yemmyse:
Muza

Is there a new Fed Government Internet For All programme currently running in Northern Nigeria? because can't understand y there so many uneducated Northerner Internet users this days. Or have they finally deployed that programme that allows u type in Hausa then shows the output in semi-sensible English?

you are so ignorant,
Instead of seeking for knowledge to better you pathetic situation,you prefer to dwell in your ignorance.

yemmyse:
Hauwa

Holywood is not in Japan. It is actually in the US.

lol  

yemmyse:
Muza

don't drink and drive. don't drink and browse. They are both harzardous to public health.

Are you a contender 4 pastor's position?

Then she must hav traces of corruption and tribalism   for to be nigerian

this forum is polluted with tribalists

@Kweenisha (militant),
Haba militant terrorist,i'm i lying ,

Also i forgot to mention that we don't steal and ship hired cars from Europe.

If you using vista theres vista manager,
its very good.

ow11:
They aren't fighting for anything other than territorial control so that their sponsors in PH and Abuja can have more access to the oil wells in the area to continue their business 'bunkering'.

It is all about plundering Nigeria's resources and impoverishing the populace.

lol

Pataki:
Practical nonsense!

I served close to the North, no amount of education or religion can eradicate the nonsense piled up into those nuisances in the north. The same education that has been there over the years, what changes has it made to them? The north are stereotyped into thinking unilaterally. At the least provocation, they are ready to pick their dagger and off they go.

E.g: The most popular car brand of car in the north is the Honda. Even with the vast diversities of cars and knowledge as to how one brand of car differs from another, they are stereotyped into thinking if it is not Honda, they do not have a car yet. With such a stereotype, pray tell me what education or religion in the next ten years can wipe it out of them?

Na the cars wey we dey drive be your prob?
We cant drive hummer,GMC,Phantom, Ferrari,etc cos,
we don't do militancy,kidnapping,bunkering,blood money,419,Armed robbery,, etc

Pastor PLC:
Any person wey say my name suppose dey for the worst list should shut the stinking ass-hole

lol

pastor no wan make anybody overthrown him.

pastor,
u hav once again confirmed that you are the undisputed worst Nairalander.
lol

cre8tivity:
these are the real reasons why north rocks. honesty with one another, love for one another, the capacity and quality of being patient, there is only one home sweet home, which is nigeria, firmed faith and high endurance capability.

Correct! 

But

cre8tivity:
very low regard for worldly concerns

I don't think so

Now we know this guy has something to hide,if not,
what is he running away from?

tpia:
Nigerians always bash their leaders, so there can never be a best president.

if they're not bashing them, they're worshipping them. Never a reasonable analysis in either case.

And the leaders too don't mind bashing them back. After all, they're only human. It would take a saint to swallow the daily abuse and insults heaped even on the most well meaning leaders. And there are very few saints in Nigeria.

We hav to bash them cos we are not sycophants,we cannot see white and call it black.

JosBoy4Lif:
There has been no good president in Nigeria.
If you people want to rank these politicians who have stolen and looted from us be my guest.
As for me I believe they should all be paying back the money they stole with interest!

That will be in the hereafter

A tea party! 

we can outsource to Ghana.

If we lived in a decent society,
These guyz would have long been in prison.

But sha,know one knows wat will happen at the end

JosBoy4Lif:
A picture speaks a thousand words. So if you want it to be about Northern leaders teaching Southern leaders corruption so be it.
But I would prefer to believe that all Nigerian Leaders are corrupt irrespective of their ethnicity.  
Our culture sto stop rewarding those who cheat, from market women to Yar Adua in Aso Rock.

haba we all know that southern govs loot more than their northern counterparts
13% derivation is just 4 the govs and leaders,  
can u imagine upon the 13% derivation,kidnapping,bunkering,, etc they do,
they want a derivation of 25%.
If i hear say Nass & yar adu approve that one.