Press Releases

COMMUNIQUE ON ACTION TO SIDELINE EFCC’S MALLAM NUHU RIBADU

BY THE WORLD IGBO CONGRESS, INC., ZUMUNTA ASSOCIATION USA, INC., AND EGBE OMO YORUBA, NORTH AMERICA

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2007, Washington, DC. Disturbing concern for recent statements issued by Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mike Okiro regarding the immediate commencement of a one-year compulsory course by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), necessitated an emergency meeting of the leadership of three Nigerian apex socio-cultural organizations in the Diaspora - Zumunta Association USA, World Igbo Congress, Inc., and Egbe Omo Yoruba, North America over the weekend.

At the meeting, Egbe Omo Yoruba, North America was represented by the National President Adeola Odusanya and the National General Secretary, Oladapo Odunlami. Chairman Ichie Chibuzo E. Onwuchekwe, P.E. and Deputy Secretary General Engineer Mike Anunike represented World Igbo Congress, Inc. The National President, Mallam Salisu A. Abdullah and the National General Secretary, Dr. Ogbu Agburu, represented Zumunta Association USA, Inc. After statements of opinion and comments followed by discussions, the three groups resolved that a joint position statement on the matter needed to be issued immediately.

STATEMENT OF POSITION

At the 6th National Seminar on Economic Crime held in Abuja, Nigeria on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, President Umaru Musa Yar ‘Adua stated, "The fight against corruption is my fight, one in which I am committed and which we all must be committed."

Despite all the challenges and obstacles faced by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and his team of economic crime fighters at the EFCC, they have not wavered in their assigned responsibilities. His achievement during his short tenure as Executive Chairman of the EFCC are exemplary and numerous; he gave hope to Nigerians and the rest of the world that Nigeria is finally serious about fighting its world-renowned corruption problem.

We understand that a tree does not make a forest and that a big deal should not be made about one person, but rather the concern should be over the maintenance of the integrity of the position itself. However, given the history of Nigeria and the numerous public attempts by powerful Nigerians who have violated their public trust, plus recent actions by the Attorney General of the Federation to undermine Mallam Ribadu’s work, we strongly urge his Excellency to repudiate this action as he did in the case of the Naira redenomination and prevent Mr. Okiro from sending Mallam Ribadu to a compulsory course at this time.

We ask that this action which is being perceived as another ploy to ease Mallam Ribadu out of office, be delayed until the prosecution of most of his currently cases are under way, or for at least another year in order to give Mallam Ribadu time to properly hand over to his temporary replacement. Any lesser action would constitute a caving in to enemies of Nigeria, dirty politicians and others who see Mallam Ribadu’s continued presence as the EFCC Executive Chairman as a threat to their survival.

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