Mmanuel Aziken And James Egbon
5 January 2009
The Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Olurunnimbe Mamora has lamented the dismissal from the Police of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu the erstwhile Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) saying Nigerians would have the last judgment on his war against graft.
Affirming that Ribadu made a difference in the war against graft, Mamora in an interview nevertheless faulted Ribadu for playing into the hands of those he said were bent on "roasting" him.
While claiming that Ribadu was not perfect in his actions, Senator Mamora (AC, Lagos East), nevertheless declared that Ribadu's zeal, courage and commitment to the anti-corruption war could not be faulted.
He spoke in response to the recent travails of Mallam Ribadu starting from his posting to school, demotion and lately his dismissal from the services of the Nigerian Police.
"An otherwise bright future or career has been suddenly terminated in a very unfortunate manner," Senator Mamora said.
"Judging from the allegations or the reasons put forward by the Police Service Commission (PSC), they tried to justify the action but whether the justification is acceptable to the majority of Nigerians is another issue taking cognizance of the background and the build up that has resulted to this dismissal," he said.
Noting that Ribadu played into the hands of his traducers, he said:
"Unfortunately, it would appear that his case has been likened to a person playing into the hands of those who really want to roast him."
It is a pity because irrespective of perceived excesses of the young man, I think he made a difference in terms of the zeal, commitment the courage which he brought to bear on his assignment."
"I am not saying he was perfect, yes he could have made some mistakes, but you cannot fault his commitment, you cannot fault his zeal, you cannot fault his courage but unfortunately now that otherwise glorious career has been brought to an abrupt end."
Concluding, Senator Mamora said the recent events may actually not be the last word on Ribadu saying it was not impossible that the former anti-graft man could bounce back to reckoning.
"It is a pity, if he doesn't have any other avenue for seeking redress in this situation, I think he should just move on with his life, he should just move on. A popular saying is that where there is life, there is hope, who knows he may still find his way back to reckoning and relevance in this country, you never know."
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