The Federal Government on Wednesday, cautioned the former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on his protracted conflict with the Police Force. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, while briefing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, said that having done so well as EFCC boss, Ribadu should not destroy what he had laboured to build.
He said, ”It is unfortunate and I wish that this problem didn‘t occur. I will wish that Ribadu’s patriotic instincts will assist him in this difficult time and equip him on how he can put the nation above every other issue.
”If he does that, he may begin to locate certain answers that can help all sides to come out of this mess. This is a mess that is totally avoidable and we regret that it is happening, but what can we do?
”Nigeria is a state and has the duty to explain what is happening and that is what we are doing. We didn‘t want to take issues with Ribadu, he did a good job, he showed commitment, courage, and passion, and this, for me, is welcomed, but he should not destroy what he built even if he feels he is not well treated.”
According to Maduekwe, Ribadu should not run down the police, adding that, ”He is a member of police force and he signed to be obedient while in the force. What is his respect for rules and authority? Taking his employers to court is wrong, all in the name of fighting for his right.”
The minister said that the situation was giving the country a bad name, noting that it was not acceptable because Ribadu would always remain a Nigerian.
He said, ”So if this is about institutional capacity and the rule of law, how can one person quarrel with his bosses, or even with the Nigerian government.The important thing is that we know what we are doing, we are not fighting corruption because somebody is giving us lectures on how to do it, we are fighting corruption because our national survival depends on it.”
THE PUNCH
Oluwole Josiah
DEC-18- 2008
