EFCC’s ex-boss Ribadu commends conviction of ex-President Obasanjo’s confidante and PDP chieftain Olabode Ibiyinka George
Special to USAfricaonline.com, USAfrica The Newspaper, Houston, Nigeria360 e-group, CLASS magazine and The Black Business Journal
By Nuhu Ribadu. St. Anthony’s College, Oxford University, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
October 27, 2009: “The conviction of Chief Olabode George, former Chairman Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), and four other board members, Monday (October 26, 2009) at the court of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole, in Ikeja Lagos, marks a great reference point in the investigation, prosecution, and trial of corruption cases in Nigeria.
I salute the courage and intellect of the learned judge who has demonstrated over time that he is an exemplary reference point in the fight against corruption and for a true definition of rule of law in the country.
As is very well known, the successful resolution of cases in favour of justice and equity, commence from a thorough investigation. In this regard, we must also salute the long and strained investigation leading to the indictment of Bode George in 2005.
At moments like this, investigators stretched out in exhilarating adrenalin, are rightly thrilled that their hard work is rewarded by the society and its best institutions.
It is a measure of the shamelessness of our elites and the institutions that fuel their values that Chief George could be awarded a national honour in our country, and that he could later sue some newspapers for libel on account of the damning indictment report I prepared against him.
Chief George’s subsequent prosecution is evidence that ultimately the law catches up with the bad guys.
Cynics will find therapy in the courageous stature of Justice Oyewole whose extraordinary example, in concluding a full trial of such a complicated case in just 14 months, ought to guide other courts where cases of grand corruption are still trapped.
Nigeria will be great again!”
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Bode George, Obasanjo and Ribadu’s Hypocrisy:
By Tony Eluemunor
(USAfricaonline.com editors have slightly edited this counterpoint for clarity and context for our readers; excerpted from USAfrica-powered e-group Nigeria360@yahoogroups.com)
I hate it when issues are distorted just for personal interests. Someone raised an issue (elsewhere) that he was present at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife when Ribadu defended Chief Bode George. That was under the
Olusegun Obasanjo administration (1999-2007), perhaps. Obasanjo left and George faced EFCC charges.
As pointed out in news reports: Ribadu submitted his indictment of Bode George to, please, wait for it, Obasanjo’s Federal Executive Council, FEC. Which court in the land bears that name? Is there any? When Ribadu wanted to arraign some of the former governors, did he go to FEC? When he wanted to arraign former Inspector General of Police Tafa Balogun, did he go to FEC? Why was it that he would arraign some persons in FEC and certain others in courts? And please do not tell me that such questions did not agitate the minds of the person who have contributed to this so far, for that would entail the regard I have for them tumbling lower down the scale.
This arraigning some persons in FEC “court” and others invFederal High Courts, should tell us something about Ribadu’s claims; that he was free-handed as he has so often claimed.
It did not work out for him (Ribadu) and he fled into exile.
Ribadu was hand in gloves with those that appointed him. He played politics and now, he is claiming to be what he was not. He had a chance to be herioc but he chose the opposite direction. When did he (write) the celebrated indictment of Bode George? Was that where his job was supposed to end? What was he waiting for? “What kept him”, to (borrow) Wole Soyinka’s earth-shaking question on why the late Col. Victor Banjo did not make the dash to Lagos?
And why did Ribadu have to come up with such a stupid statement, about the investigators etc? He has for over a year, ceased being EFCC Chairman. Or is anyone saying that if Nigeria’s under-17 team won the trophy being contested for in Abuja, Obasanjo would mount the rostrum to begin to make stupid statements about preparations that would brought the fruits of future victory.
The sensible thing (for Ribadu) would be to congratulate EFCC’s new so Mrs. Farida Waziri. Then people would see his humble side and reflect how time and happenstance could deny a man of what he truly deserved. But no, Ribadu must of necessity, call attention to himself. Has former President George W. Bush been disturbing current President Barack Obama just because he was his predecessor. Does Bush fight for visibility? Somewhere, and along any road, there must be a place to stop. Ribadu does not realize (reflects) one of the worst tragedies of our time.
As Emetulu advised in a recent write up, Ribadu must allow his trumpet a little rest.
Worst of all, he does not deserve all the accolades he has been heaping on himself. And those magnifying and echoing every noise from Ribadu should ask themselves why they have been measuring out their lives in tea spoons.
And I have to end this with a question lest I am deliberately misunderstood: Did Ribadu at anytime defend Bode George? Another question: Why did he not arraign Chief George during Obasanjo’s presidency, before now, or immediately he had finished his investigation? Thanks.
Tony Eluemunor, media aide to former Governor Ibori of Delta State (and one of the Governors Ribadu alleges corruption and massive misappropriation of funds). We welcome reactions to these issues, here
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