It is based on such views that Ribadu also called on the the U S to continue to help the country apprehend corrupt officials, as was being done during his tenure at the EFCC.  He praised the UK for continuing to work with Nigeria in such issues, saying as he understood the UK is still prosecuting cases that ensure the return of stolen funds from government coffers by people in high governmental positions.  Ribadu was referring to the James Ibori case that has not been closed in Britain, despite the acquittal of the Nigerian case by a state court in his native state of Delta, where he served as a State Governor.

Just recently, we may recall that a key leading investigator in the Ibori case was assassinated in broad day light in the capital city Abuja, in what appears to be a statement to those few police investigative personnel willing to make a difference in going after corrupt officials, despite the risks.   The timing was also telling, as is it came shortly after the National Assembly recognized the Nigerian Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President, a native of the Delta region.  Such political assassinations has been dormant for years now, and therefore the recent assassination sets a dangerous precedent by rearing its head now.

 

The growing boldness of assassins, robbers and those who merely enjoy taking people’s lives on the flimsiest of excuses for political expediency must be arrested.  It does not matter where it occurs.  The Federal government has a responsibility to call to order, prosecute and nip any occurrence in the bud.  That will go a long way in assuring the nation that a civilian administration, regardless of who leads it, has the capability, backed by strong supporting structures to address all issues relating to security of lives and property anywhere in the nation. 

 

Finally, it is long past due for the civilian government to find a way to institute a strictly enforceable executive order, backed by the national assembly to deal with issues of violence in any part of the country.  If any administrator or Governor is found wanting out of either prejudice, bias, or sheer ineptitude, it is very important that the Federal Executive gets the backing of the National Assembly in a vote to get the governor out right away, install an administrator and call for a way to fill his position through by-election or otherwise.  Without such serious measures in place, i.e. the threat of losing one’s political power, politicians will continue to use their positions to cause serious loss of lives and property.

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(c) The Optimist Voice. Al rights reserved

 

NIGERIA NEWS DECISIVE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS Hadiza Wada, DBA March 6, 2010   Many analysts within and outside Nigeria believe the country is on its way to becoming a nation that may live close enough to its potentials soon.  But that does not mean that it has freed itself from most challenges and hurdles.  It just is becoming increasingly aware of its problems and has been more active and articulate, which may lead to development if handled appropriately.  The country has many issues it has to squarely face and soon, in order to find its way back on track.  Identifying and facing those challenges is key to relief.   About two weeks ago, a forum set up by a ranking member of the U S Senate, Hon. Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin), who presently Chairs the Subcommittee on African Affairs addressed Nigerian issues.  The hearing titled “Examing the U.S. – Nigeria relationship in a Time of Transition was well attended.  The room was packed full of many policy makers whose portfolio is related to the issue discussed, members of congress, Nigerians, the press, and well wishers.      Just as we have mentioned time and time again on this publication, one of the most challenging issues in Nigeria is that of security.  It was therefore appropriate to hear what a former high ranking official of the Nigerian Police Force who sat on that same hearing had to say.  In a Testimony before it, the Former Chair of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission echoed that challenge when he said “The breakdown of law and order is largely responsible for the incessant conflicts in all parts of the country, and this point must be strongly registered.”   It is saliently becoming accepted in all quarters as many have pointed out, that Nigerian politics is being derailed not by circumstantial events but by unwillingness to free the polity from greedy self-serving officials, and corrupt people in key positions of governance and policy.  Many among the ranks are unwilling to follow the country’s legal code, including its constitutional provisions, its courts and other institutions.  The courts themselves are sometimes viewed as corrupt too, making the situation worse.