Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari is on course.
That was the verdict of pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday.
This was even as Ribadu said the issue of the reinstatement of former head of the Presidential Taskforce Team on Pension Reform, Abdulrasheed Maina, should not be used as a yardstick in judging the country’s anti-corruption crusade.
Ribadu spoke with Daily Sun, at the unveiling of a novel, The Shadow List, written by former United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Todd Moss, which highlighted the crusade against corruption, under the watch of Ribadu as EFCC chairman.
The former EFCC boss said he is proud of the commission he bequeathed to the country, and added that the war against corruption should not be limited to one’s country.
On the Maina case, Ribadu said it is not fair to reduce the anti-corruption war to a single case.
“I don’t think it is fair to reduce it to one single case, to judge the work one is doing, especially somebody who is heading an anti-corruption commission, who is heading the entire war or fight the government is doing against corruption and economic crimes.
“There is no doubt, whether you like Magu or you hate him, you know he is a courageous person. There is no doubt that nobody can question the integrity of Magu. No! I know him. I am very proud of him and I think he is doing a wonderful job,” Ribadu said.
Speaking further, Ribadu said from the number of cases being handled, coupled with recoveries being made, including money and properties globally, the EFCC is truly on course.
“Also, the number of cases in our courts today that are being prosecuted diligently, it tells you what is happening with the EFCC. Anybody can say anything, but, the responsibility of the EFCC is to investigate cases, build up cases, seize properties that are subject of investigation and then, go to court.
“We have how many cases now? Hundreds of cases or even thousands. Every single day, there is an ongoing big EFCC case taking place in our courts. It tells you the story again of what is happening with the EFCC.
“They are doing a very wonderful job and this is the most difficult job you can do in Nigeria. I can tell you. It is not a child’s play,” Ribadu added.
Speaking earlier, Ribadu said he was very elated that a former US envoy wrote a book on the anti-graft war he led.
The author, Moss, said he wrote the book for mainstream American audience so that they would see how the US and Nigeria cooperate in international crime prevention.
The novel reviewer and Executive Editor, The News/PM News, Mr Kunle Ajibade, said the book is very much an offering of praise for the intrepid and genuine fighters against corruption all over the world.