Opinion
Nuhu Ribadu: The Return of The Action-Man
By Yakubu Dati
News of the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reverberated with glee across the length and breadth of the nation; reigniting hope that the current administration is indeed set to bring a turn around to the security challenges besetting the nation.
Reason for the excitement are not farfetched as people recall Ribadu’s tenure as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), when the global community began to take Nigeria seriously owing to its approach to fighting corruption and exposing financial crime through the agency.
The period was replete with daring tales of thorough investigations of public officials at a scale that was never envisaged in the developing world; arrests and prosecution of high profile and politically exposed suspects that hitherto seemed unimaginable.
As Ribadu held sway as the boss of the anti graft commission Nigerians experienced breath taking thrills that were were the stuff of box office hits and bestseller plots; full of action, suspense, surprises and comic relief all in tow, to the delight of ordinary Nigerians who had thought that fighting corruption in their country was beyond any agency or government to tackle.
But Ribadu, on assumption of office as EFCC chairman, with the mandate to fight corruption and fraud, proved many wrong as he decided to do what was thought impossible and took on the high and mighty without exception.
As an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, Ribadu then only 42, brought an uncommon zeal and commitment to his responsibilities in a manner that was lacking in many government agencies and soon, became the cynosure of all eyes.
The nation was put on a new phase as Nigerians on waking up are eager to know what syndicate the agency has been uncovered or which untouchable personality has been exposed.
The list of those brought to book included sitting governors, ministers, heads of security agencies and others who were adept at book cooking but did not escape the eagle-eye of the Ribadu led agency.
The then EFCC chairman fearlessly treaded on territories considered out of bounds to mere mortals and succeeded in exposing billion naira underhand deals in states; ministries; extra ministerial departments; agencies; parastatals and conglomerates.
As a Lawyer, Ribadu deployed his legal knowledge to spread his dragnet to fish out those suspected to be engaged in financial crimes but we’re hiding under the cover of “immunity from prosecution” to fleece the country of its resources.
Nigerians easily recall a remarkable case where Ribadu successfully prosecuted his boss, the then Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, who was investigated, prosecuted, convicted, jailed and made to return about £150 million under a plea bargain arrangement.
Between 2003 and 2007 when Ribadu held sway as the head of the anti graft agency, his unblemished records of achievements attracted international attention resulting in the withdrawal of the US Treasury FINCEN Advisory on Nigeria, de-listing it from the FATF list of non-cooperative countries and territories, and its admission into the prestigious Egmont Group.
He almost single handedly restored a positive image for Nigeria thereby increased investor confidence in the nation’s economy which began to experience a boost.
Ribadu came to national limelight as a star prosecutor at the Human Rights Violation Investigation Commission of Nigeria, popularly known as Oputa Panel, which was created to investigate human rights abuses during the military era, and was later appointed Chairman of the Petroleum Special Revenue Task Force.
As the new NSA, his wide range of skills will enabled him to navigate the treacherous security labyrinth which required coordinating the efforts of various government agencies involved in national security including the military, intelligence agencies, diplomatic corps, and law enforcement agencies.
His training as an intelligence police operative, after a degree and a Masters in Law, Ribadu is equipped with deep experience in law enforcement, community engagement, and internal security measures.
As an alumni of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies who retired as Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Ribadu has the cognitive training as a police officer to de-escalate situations, work within communities, and focus on prevention and response. This can be particularly useful in handling domestic issues, civil unrest, and threats that require more nuanced responses than straightforward military action. More so as he has the capacity to draw from international resources as a TED Fellow and a Senior Fellow in St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, UK.
The new NSA is the third retired police officer after the late Gambo Jimeta and Ismaila Gwarzo ,to be appointed to the position.
With this background, the initial fears that a non military personnel may not command respect as NSA quickly died down when Ribadu was confirmed as many recall that even while he served as the boss of the anti graft agency, he was able to win the confidence and cooperation of all the security agencies which enabled him achieve results.
Besides, Nigeria is facing more of domestic issues that require civilian oversight and a balance between military and civilian perspectives.
Similarly, there’s growing confidence that Ribadu’s pragmatic approach to intelligence gathering and crime-fighting while serving as a police officer and later as head of the EFCC that earned him global recognition and awards, will be re-enacted as he takes charge as the NSA.
This makes him better poised to contend with non-traditional threats like energy, power, infectious and diseases outbreaks, among others , to ensure comprehensive decision-making.
It is said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a knack for identifying talents, his recent appointments which have put round pegs in round holes has renewed hope that his administration is on the path towards charting a new course for Nigeria.
The new Security Service Chiefs, drawn from the mentees of revered retired Generals, is an acclamation of their heroic contribution to nation building. Their critical involvement is unambiguously encapsulated in the Renewed Chage Agenda of the administration.
As an Alumni of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies who retired as Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Ribadu definitely suits the description of reggae legend, Bob Marley that “who the cap fits, let him wear it.”
There’s no reason to fear. Hope is here!
Dati is based in Abuja.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.