Daily Champion (Lagos)

Nigeria: Ribadu in Secret Talks With Yar'Adua

Daniel Idonor

14 November 2008


Abuja — Former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday had brief discussion with President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua at the presidential Villa.

The talks which lasted for some minutes were at the instance of President Yar'Adua. This is the first time that the duo would be meeting publicly since Ribadu dragged authorities of the Nigeria Police Force to court over his demotion.

Ribadu who was in company of other participants Senior Executive Course 30 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Jos was the cynosure of all eyes.

Demoted Ribadu had filed out in the capacity Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa like other students of the prestigious academy waiting to have a hand shake with the President.

But rather than just greet him like other President Yar'Adua decided to have a longer time with him.

Reporters who thronged around the point Ribadu was standing when it was his turn to receive the President could not hear the details of the conversation.

But there are indications that the President may have pacified him to accept his recent woes at NIPPS as an act of God.

Unlike his colleagues in the armed forces who were decked in their uniforms and their ranks, Mallam Ribadu was dressed in a white Agbada with a cap to match.

And also unlike his colleagues who introduced themselves with their ranks and their place of work before Mr President, the former EFCC boss simply introduced himself by saying "Your Excellency, I am Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of the Nigeria Police Force".

When it was time for the presidential handshake, the president took the longest time as he held onto Nuhu Ribadu.

Before the arrival of President Yar'Adua at the venue of the assignment where course participant were seated, Ribadu was sighted having a prolong discussion with Special Assistant on Protocol to the President, Alhaji Inua Baba.

Efforts by state house correspondents to interview Mallam Ribadu were thwarted by some of his colleagues.

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Author: isabuma
Sat Nov 15 11:37:39 2008

Whether Mallam Nuhu Ribadu had a prolong discussion with President Umaru Musa Yar'adua or not should not be the issue right now.

The issue is, what does the law says about a Serving Police Officer sueing the authority (Police Service Commission, IGP and AGF) that made him.

Ribadu's agony is an eye opener to those of us serving in the NPF that whatever you do, try to apply "Number Six". I suggest, Mal Ribadu was 'too' loyal to president Obasanjo and stepped on people's toes.

Finally, Ribadu should not be ashamed to wear the uniform of the Deputy Commission of… [Read Full Text]

Author: kaparah
Fri Nov 14 16:20:59 2008

Mr. President can inure himself to the goodwill of Nigerians by making up with Mr. Ribadu. To do so will dispel the global impression that his administration is not serious about truly fighting corruption and that anybody that dares to challenge the status quo of elite’s corruption will suffer the same fate as Mr. Ribadu’s and that would be a bad precedent for the future generation. I hope this rumor is true cuz, that is the kind of news we'll like to believe is true. We are watching.

Author: jallohlaw
Fri Nov 14 19:25:54 2008

Who are the Nigerian "elites"? No generalities, if you don't mind.

Regards.

Author: halimot
Fri Nov 14 22:05:32 2008

Hey guys, the likes of James Ibori, Lucky Igbinedion, Chimaroke Nnamani, Orji Kalu and the rest of those goveernors donated a huge amount of stolen money to Yaraduaduring the 2007 and you expect the same Yaradua to prosecute the se governors !. We are talking about Nigeria for God' sake. The irony of the whole issue is that Yaradua had the audacity to declare the campaign money as part of his own personal asset when he was declaring assets prior to assumption of office.

Author: kaparah
Fri Nov 14 21:52:14 2008

The Nigerian "Ruling Elite" are the Nigerian politicians and/or the retired military officers-turned politicians dating as far back as the mid-1960s when they started passing the baton of corruption to their children so these old guards can perpetuate their corrupt tendencies to their children, kith & kin to continue to plunder while serving in the same office or withing the same status as their fathers from where they can protect their stollen assets acquired by cheating the common man. The numbers of these “elite” are so small, probably 5,000 of them that, if the balance 99% of Nigeria’s 145M… [Read Full Text]

Author: jallohlaw
Fri Nov 21 00:27:59 2008

I demanded a concrete determination of the "Nigerian Elites," not an empty reiteration of my question.

Alight from the train of generalized idealization: name nanes! That is what I want.

If you can't brng the bacon home, that's cool, too.

Regards.

Author: girl.candy53
Mon Nov 17 12:00:56 2008

hello nigerians, we should stop spending time on frivolities. ribadu is a professional, he knows his onions, he does not need our advice to know what is his next strategy. whatever he chooses to do, is in his best interest and that of nigeria. let us allow the rule of the law, to take its due course. don,t jump the gun. i have seen people in life, they kneel before u to say i am sorry, but as soon as u turn yr back, they will like to chop yr head off, yr shoulder. the PDP are those kind… [Read Full Text]



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