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Police: Why Ribadu Was Sacked
From Ali M.Ali in Abuja
The Police High Command yesterday in Abuja advanced reasons for the sack of the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu .
It said that the erstwhile anti-graft agency boss was dismissed not because he challenged his demotion to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police from Assistant Inspector General (AIG) but because he refused to obey ‘‘lawful orders of his commander , the Inspector –General of Police and for continuously absenting himself from duty without leave or excuse (contrary to section 030402(e) of the Public Service Rules,2006 and sections 347,348,349 of Police Act.’’
Addressing the press yesterday, the new Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel C.S Ojukwu, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), disclosed that Ribadu was only one of two senior officers dismissed in the ending year, adding that 32 Inspectors and other rank and file were dismissed or retired on account of various acts of indiscipline and misconduct.
Ojukwu explained that section 215 of the 1999 Constitution empowered the Inspector-General of Police as the overall Commander of the Police whose orders were obeyed without question by some 371,800 strong men working in 11,781 police stations across 774 local government areas of the country.
According to him, in the year ending, 189 police men and women lost their lives in the course of duty while 102 sustained various degrees of work-related injuries, some of them permanent disabilities.
Ojukwu described as misleading the impression created by some people following the dismissal of Ribadu that Nigeria is a nation that “tolerates and adores indiscipline, truancy and malfeasance by its employees."
According to him, " we all know that this is not true, in deed. Nigeria is a country that cherishes hard work, diligence and dedication to duty. These are virtues captured in the spirit and wordings of our national anthem and pledge.”
He re-stated the commitment of the Nigerian Police under Mike Okiro to contributing its quota to the realisation of the 7-point agenda of President Umar Musa Yar’Adua and his desire to position Nigeria among the 20 developed nations by 2020.
He reminded Nigerians that those who crafted the Constitution made exceptions regarding the rights of members of the Armed Forces and the police, adding that the work of national security was sensitive and therefore demanded absolute discipline and loyalty on the part of officers.
“Indeed, the yellow segment of the Nigerian police colours stands for discipline and resourcefulness while the blue stands for loyalty. An officer who is adjudged disloyal or indisciplined has no place in the Nigerian police as he is seen as a bad egg capable of corrupting the whole,” he affirmed.
Source: ThisDay, 30th December 2008.
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Police defend Ribadu's dismissal
From John-Abba Ogbodo, Abuja
WORRIED by the gale of criticisms that trailed the dismissal of the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, from the Nigeria Police (NPF), the police high command yesterday warned against creating disaffection within the force over the matter, pointing out that such action could lead to anarchy.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, represented by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Ojukwu, said there is nothing extraordinary about Ribadu's dismissal, adding that besides the former EFCC boss, another senior police officer was dismissed on account of indiscipline and misconduct.
Okiro said: "To allow disobedience to lawful orders is an open invitation to anarchy, breakdown of law and order, which may ultimately make Nigeria ungovernable. We should not allow this to happen to our dear country. To promote or rationalise the indiscipline of man is capable of traumatising and victimising the entire police establishment; to orchestrate and parry the insubordination of one man against constituted authority is capable of destroying the unity of the officers of the Nigeria Police; to trivialise one man's absence from duty is like hauling insults on those who attend to their duties.
"For one to claim salaries for work not done may amount to stealing. The combined effect of these maladies is a potential threat to the ideals of rule of law and nation building. We should not be associated with this virus."
Apparently referring to the constitutional right of Ribadu to seek redress in the court if he felt otherwise, the police spokesman said such right is restricted in the constitution, especially where national security is involved. He stressed that absolute loyalty and discipline constitute essential ingredients in national security.
The IG added that the police would not compromise discipline and loyalty, emphasising that the constitution empowers the IGP to enforce discipline in the force.
"It is true that our constitution grants all citizens some basic rights. But we should not lose sight of the fact that the 49 wise men that crafted the document made certain exceptions regarding the rights of members of the armed forces and the police. Reference may be made to sections 34, 35,39 and 42. The work of national security is sensitive and thus demands absolute discipline and loyalty on the part of all officers. An officer who is adjudged disloyal or
undisciplined has no place in the Nigeria Police, as he is seen as a bad egg capable of corrupting the whole', he said.
The police chief continued: "For the avoidance of doubt, it ought to be stated that section 215 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria expressly made the Inspector General of Police the overall commander of the Nigeria Police. By this very fact, the IG is at liberty to give lawful instructions and orders to his subordinate officers, and these instructions and orders must be obeyed without question.
"This is not surprising given the nature of the police as a para-military. Disobedience to lawful orders of a superior is inexcusable in the Nigeria Police. Officers are entitled to civil liberties but are not free to refuse postings to any part of the country, or choose which orders to obey and which to arrogantly ignore."
Source: Guardian, 30th December 2008.
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Nuhu Ribadu Dismissal Letter
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Ribadu’s dismissal too harsh – PSC member
By Sebastine Ebhuomhan
The dismissal of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu from the Nigeria Police Force is harsh and punitive, a member of the Police Service Commission has said.
Dr. Otive Igbuzor of the ActionAid Nigeria, who represents the civil society organisations on the board of PSC, also disclosed that he was not part of the commission’s meeting, which recommended Ribadu‘s dismissal to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro.
Igbuzor wrote this in an essay posted on the FOI coalition‘s internet board on Monday, a copy of which was sent to our correspondent.
He further stated that had he been part of the meeting, he would have recommended a lighter punishment for Ribadu who was accused of not resuming his police duties in his demoted position after his graduation from the NIPSS.
He said, “My views on the governance of Nigeria (including this administration) are well known. I recognise that I represent civil society on the Police Service Commission and will be willing to be bound by the wishes and aspirations of civil society, but things must be done in an orderly manner and with potential for impact and change in the society.”
“On Nuhu Ribadu, I have a lot of respect for him as an efficient, hardworking and courageous officer. I think that he deserved special promotion, but not twice within a space of four months in an institution where other other hardworking officers remain in one rank for over 10 years.”
“I condemn his posting out of EFCC and the unusual focus on him by the government. But I think that it is not correct for him to refuse to resume duty after his NIPSS course.”
“I wholeheartedly support his right to go to court, but he should have assumed duty pending the determination of the case.”
Igbuzor added, “In any case, I think that dismissal is too harsh a punishment. I was not present at the meeting where the decision was taken because I had already gone on Christmas break and I was organising a programme in Delta State. I would have canvassed a more lenient punishment.”
He stated also that he had no doubt in his mind that there were some interests involved in the demotion and dismissal of Ribadu, but added that the ex-EFCC Chairman, as he had always argued, was a victim of the the system.
Source: Punch, 30th December 2008.
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Nigerian Rights Groups Criticize Firing of Former Anti-Graft Chief
By Gilbert da Costa
Abuja
Rights groups in Nigeria have criticized the firing of the country's former anti-corruption chief from the police force for alleged insubordination. They say his dismissal was aimed at punishing a key voice in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Campaigners in Nigeria insist Nuhu Ribadu's removal from the anti-corruption job was orchestrated to undermine the investigations he began.
President Umaru Yar'Adua took power 18 months ago pledging zero tolerance for corruption. But the removal of Ribadu prompted anti-graft organizations to question Mr. Yar'Adua's commitment to fighting graft.
The authorities rejected suggestions that the action was politically motivated.
Police spokesman Suleiman Abba says Ribadu, a deputy police commissioner, was dismissed for "gross indiscipline and insubordination."
"It is obvious that the consequences of serious misconduct by DCP [Deputy Commissioner of Police] Nuhu Ribadu as highlighted, is tantamount to dismissal from service. Refusal to accept posting or report for duty is a very serious misconduct and may lead to dismissal in the armed forces and the police as such action is inimical to national security," he said.
The rights group, the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, claims the firing of Ribadu is an indication that the government has caved in to pressure from politicians anxious to stop investigations into their finances. The head of the group, Olasubo Ojo, said Ribadu's dismissal as illegal.
"The constitution is higher than any police regulation," said Ojo. "Under the rule of law fair hearing dictates that the [police] service commission should hear the other side. Did they ever call the man to come and show why he should not be disciplined?"
Ribadu was first suspended as head of the economic and financial crimes commission in December 2007, two weeks after the arrest on corruption charges of former Delta state Governor James Ibori, a powerful politician who was known to be close to the president.
Ribadu says he would challenge his formal dismissal in court.
Corruption is viewed as a major problem in oil-rich Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation.
Source: Voice of America, 24th December 2008.
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The Travails of Nuhu Ribadu
By Armsfree Ajanaku
One interesting thing about visiting news stands to collate opinions on burning national issues, is the wide variety of positions, which the readers religiously hold on to. The Street Parliament is not a place where flexibility of opinion can be found. Here, those involved in the very noisy debate tend to be ready to put their lives on the line to be able to win the argument. The result is a tendency to rigidly hold on to assertions, no matter how erroneous such may be. The other interesting thing is the phenomenon of encountering a reader who keeps staring at the papers as if his life depends on it, yet when the reporter asks such a reader what he knows about a burning national issue, he merely tells you with a fat smile that he is not aware of any such development. On the other hand, the Street Parliamentarian may give the reporter a piece of information that is wide off the mark. However, any attempt to correct that would be an open invitation to an argument that would neither profit the ears, nor the mind.
For those interested in gender balancing, the reality from the newspaper stands could be depressing. Among the free readers who usually bawl their voices out, there are usually no women. This however does not mean that the female folks do not come to the stands. But what they do is to quietly buy the papers and take their exit, leaving the noise from the raucous and argumentative men behind. Last week, the newspaper readers were asked to comment on the travails of former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. A vast majority of the respondents were of the view that the anti graft czar was being persecuted because of his efforts in the anti-corruption crusade. Below are the views from the public court.
Yemisi Omoniyi, Travel Consultant
Let me start with Ribadu's personality, I think he is someone that deserves a lot of respect in a country such as ours, where you have very corrupt minded officials. Now, what I see happening to him-his demotion and all the humiliation- is the triumph of selfish interests in our country. Some people at the helm who are not happy with his usual exposures are now looking for a way to rubbish him and make him look like a nobody before Nigerians. The are trying to rubbish his personality and make him look irrelevant. To me, no matter what they do to rubbish his achievements, he remains a hero. Ribadu, to me is a hero, any day. For him to have stood up to take on those corrupt shows that he is courageous. He took on those who belong to the bourgeoisie class, and that is why they are now going after him. It is a pity that they are raising all these issues about the way he was dressed and all that. As far as I am concerned, all those things are irrelevant. I see no reason why a man who should be celebrated and put in our hall of fame should be treated this way. I also think that Ribadu should not accept any position that is demeaning; he should resign from the police and move on to better things. Some people would say that he was used by former president Obasanjo to attack his (Obasanjo's) enemies. That maybe true, but those people he went after were also not clean, they were all corrupt. Nigerians from the six geopolitical zone love Ribadu, we all love him, and I believe that such a man should not rest on his oars. What he should do is to make a comeback, by that; I mean he should seek for a political position, maybe as governor of his State in 2011, just like what Adams Oshiomohole has done. Ribadu should forget about all these hullabaloo, resign and move on to greater things.
Richard Amadi, Respondent
I feel that Ribadu is just been humiliated for a job well done. It is those who think he has stepped on their toes that are doing everything possible to humiliate him. Those of them who want to be treated like sacred cows are now after him because they feel that the government that brought him to power is longer there; so they believe that now is the time to really deal with him. The problem is that here in Nigeria, we do not believe in the truth. He fought corruption, but some people still want to believe he was selective. But were those people he went after not corrupt? Nevertheless, he has done well, as far as we Nigerians are concerned. He has done his bit; he may have his own flaws, but the humiliation that they are putting him through is not in anyway justified. It shows that the Yar'Adua government is not ready to tackle the most fundamental problem that has stalled the development of Nigeria. His being demoted cannot be justified, I believe he should be honored, not harassed. I don't think his travails can be justified in any way. If I were to be in his shoes, and I am being persecuted this way, I will resign since the powers that be no longer want my service.
Isaiah Habila, Respondent
On this issue, I don't have any idea, except to continue to pray that God will touch the government so that the can do the right thing. We poor people should be treated well, so I don't have any idea about this Ribadu matter. I don't know why they are maltreating him, but my prayer is that God will touch the government so that the can do the right thing. I cannot really say anything about that matter.
Samson Orji, Businessman
If Ribadu had been neutral in his work, he won't be facing all the problems he is facing now. When he was working during the Obasanjo regime, he was selective, by doing only what Obasanjo told him to do. Those governors he prosecuted were selected, after all, he was the one who told Nigerians that about 31 governors had been investigated and found to be corrupt at the time. Instead of going after all of them, he was busy selecting, and I believe that those he choose to go after are those who refused to support third term. That is how the problem started. To my mind, Ribadu did not do a go job, if he had done a good job, all the 31 governors would have been picked up. So now, he has to face the music of what he had done. In otherwords, I think he really deserves the treatment he is currently getting. Look, out of 31 governors investigated, he arrested only five, what about the others, why were they not arrested and prosecuted. This is selective, and the whole Nigerians know that those he choose to go after were the enemies of Obasanjo, who killed third term. It was what Obasanjo told him that he was busy doing. Even you (referring to the reporter), it is what the Director (the reporter guessed he meant to say editor) of The Guardian tells you to do that you will do, or else, you will be sacked. That is what happened to Ribadu, but he did not have the courage to tell Obasanjo to allow him do the right thing. Obasanjo promised to promote him, now, he has been demoted. His demotion is very good; I love it so much because it was that promise that made him to be dancing to Obasanjo's tune. He was expecting to be promoted for doing Obasanjo's bidding. That shows that he himself is corrupt. He ought to be arrested and tried, just the way he treated others. If I were in his shoes, I will resign because he did not do the work well. If he had done the job well, Nigerians would have supported him.
Source: Guardian, 30th November 2008.
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