| FEDERAL Government has been told to rescind its decision on the sacking of the EFCC boss, Malam Nuhu Ribadu as the action would send wrong signals to the international community on the sincerity of the government towards the crusade against corruption.
In a statement issued by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, (MOSOP) the body hailed what it termed the achievement of the former EFCC boss in the anti-graft war. The statement signed by Information Officer to the body, Bariaria Kpalep reads in part, �Ribadu has not only earned encomiums globally and significantly helped in improving the image of Nigeria but has also helped in restoring our dignity and integrity; and also coming at a time when politicians, high profile ex-governors and a gaggle of others are being arrested and arraigned in courts of competent powers on corruption charges, and many others listed to face the law, demonstrably betrayed regrettable sinister motives. We note with dismay that although the Yar’Adua government has expressed commitment to the anti-corruption crusade on pages of newspapers it has failed to convince us since its inception of her support for the war against graft especially with the inept actions of its officials led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, which has been left unchecked. We have painfully observed that often times state officials manipulate the system to protect their interest and those of their collaborators. When Marshall Harry was murdered, the initial investigators were replaced with weak stooges in questionable circumstances. Now that Ribadu appears to have gotten close to dismantling the corruption cartel he was sacked on controversial grounds. Corruption we are aware has been identified as one of the greatest obstacles to national development and public good. In the Niger Delta graft by state officials and their friends have similarly been one of the major factors responsible for rising frustration, deteriorating living conditions, poverty, tension, restiveness, kidnapping and increasing violence and vandalisation. No wonder the arrest of past governors, politicians and other suspects of the Niger Delta region were hailed by the people. MOSOP is of the view that the primary essence of government is to adequately and properly attend to the welfare of the governed and this can only be attained if our leaders are accountable, honest and transparent. Playing politics of protecting criminals for some unwholesome reasons against the survival of the masses is a great disservice to the people. We are aware of the fact that the efforts of some of the people fingered in high profile corruption cases enhanced the emergence of this regime. However, offering a save haven for these outlaws amounts to robbing one to satisfy another, and above all, a huge affront against the Nigerian constitution and other international instruments, which the country has committed itself. Since the virus of corruption has eaten deep into our national life, we doubt how the Niger Delta master plan could be implemented honestly and transparently to benefit our people without a conscious and courageous anti-corruption leader, which the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu leadership has commendably offered. The sack of the EFCC chieftain whose envious successes in the corruption war has deservingly endeared him to the international community would no doubt send negative signals to the civilized world, more so as the Federal Government faces credibility and legitimacy problems. MOSOP believes that the present stance of the government would cause more harm than good as the resolve in our view is insensitive and improperly thought through. We therefore call on the Federal Government to rescind the decision as it is neither in the interest of the Federal Government nor the masses. This is the time for the government to show that it cares.�� |
Jan32008