AFRICAN ECONOMY

Curbing Corruption Key to Progress

Hadiza Wada, DBA

October 31, 2009

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has emphasized the importance of accountability for progress across Africa.  Many problems, he cites, are connected to resource availability and distribution, and with accountability the government finds the resources to take care of the population.  Mallam Nuhu Ribadu disclosed this at a conference on governance sponsored by Latest Technology International, and managed by its non profit public enlightenment subsidiary The Optimist Voice.

Mr. Ribadu was one of two recipients of The Optimist Voice’s Exceptional Performance Awards. In his speech after receiving the award, Chairman Ribadu expressed his genuine appreciation for such informational outlets that dedicate themselves to finding and working towards solutions to the teaming challenges countries such as Nigeria faces.  Discussions and brainstorming wakes up Nigerians to the realities of the work ahead, he added. He also disclosed that he has received various awards mostly from foreign institutions in recognition for his service, but this was the first time he appeared in person to accept it. 

In his remarks, Chairman Ribadu says he believes the day Nigeria shapes up and begin to tread the sustainable development path, all other black African nations have got a mentor.  Nigeria holds such promise, he emphasized, because all the needed resources and support are there, and a great percentage of the black race resides in Nigeria.

In a very open speech and discussion that followed after, Chairman Ribadu disclosed that at the time he was contacted to take up the position of being the Nigerian Anti-Corruption Czar, he left for Nigeria immediately because he has since his policing days been dreaming of getting such an opportunity to prove that Nigeria has the ability to clean itself up for a fresh start.

The vast amount of resources he quoted as disappearing daily from Nigerian institutions are alarming.  He cited, for example, that within just a few months of his appointment to head the commission, they recovered a total of 750 Million dollars from Nigerian internet scammers.  And contrary to what many say about his relationship with the former President of Nigeria who appointed him to the job, he did not even meet him personally until about three months into his Job.  When he got that opportunity, he said, he discussed what he thought was the most effective approach, and he got the support of the President to clean up Nigerian banks and other major financial institutions.

Ribadu however expressed disappointment at the fact that, after recovering billions and setting the banks straight, President Olusegun Obasanjo then appointed Charles Soludo, whom he said soon turned back the clock and before you know it, the banks went back to their corrupt and counterproductive practices.  He is glad that the Present Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Sanusi Lamido is reworking to clean the banks again.

Chairman Ribadu also stressed the need for Nigeria to insist on accountability.  He is just one individual, but with the right attitude and the support he got from his team and leadership, he was able to recover a total of five billion dollars returned during his tenure and prosecuted a total of 275 cases.  What was exciting to him was that after securing the cooperation of major foreign governments in helping with intelligence to capture and return funds stolen from Nigerian coffers, those engaged in the crime gradually began returning the money and investing it in Nigerian banks to evade foreign capture.  Soon real estates and other businesses were benefiting internally from such funds. His agency, he disclosed, traced a total of 15 billion returned to the country in such manner in 2006 alone.

To those who wanted to know whether he intends to return to the country and continue such laudable works when given another opportunity, he replied that he believes there are many others just like him willing to make great sacrifices in facing the real crooks within the Nigerian establishment if given the chance.  It was a unique opportunity he got, he added, and he was glad to have done his best in it.  

The other recipient of the Award was the Former Bauchi State Governor Ahmad Mu’azu.  His award was received on his behalf by Alhaji Kabir Jikamshi, who delivered the Governor’s prepared message to the audience, after apologizing for being held up by an unexpected event.  His message cites his gratitude saying he is “genuinely humbled by such an honor” and recognition for his service to the people of Bauchi State in particular and the nation in general.  He concluded by wishing the nation peace and prosperity.