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Nuhu Ribadu Challenges EFCC Leadership on Subsidy Fraudsters

By on July 11, 2012

Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman and current Chairman of the Special Petroleum Revenue Taskforce, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has challenged the present leadership of the EFCC to bring the subsidy fraudsters to justice quickly.

Mallam Ribadu made his mind known whilst speaking at a forum organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

He said, “If the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency had done its job, the whole subsidy mess would not have happened. If I were to handle this subsidy thing, I will just go after the PPPRA, especially those who were at the helm when all these mess took place.

“In one week, I will bring out every single person who took one penny. I will not bother myself with anybody else; I will just get them because nobody would make a penny out of the subsidy regime without the direct complicity of the PPPRA.”

Ribadu added, “The regulatory agencies in the sector are directly responsible because it is government’s money. When such money goes out, it has to go through somebody, who is a government employee that has responsibility to protect it and make sure that we get value for every dime spent. It must be with his own conspiracy that money goes out for products or services.

“Therefore, one can easily come to the conclusion that it was a failure of the regulators and those that have responsibility, and we would like to see justice done on those who allowed the nation’s money to go out in that manner.”

In confirmation of the Attorney General’s remarks publicized in news media yesterday, Ribadu also disclosed that the EFCC was working hard on the matter and said Nigerians would soon see the results of their efforts.

He said, “I know that the EFCC is working very hard on the matter, and I believe they will not disappoint millions of Nigerians who are expecting a just and reasonable conclusion on the matter. They are working on it, and sometimes, this kind of work does take time so that it will be able to stand the test of prosecution.

“They need to assemble evidence so that they can have a successful prosecution because it is an issue of law enforcement and recovery. My take is that we can still get justice; it is a matter of time, and, ultimately, I have belief that Nigerians will see justice done in the matter.”

“They must be given space and time to do their work effectively. There should not be any outside interference. In the present crop of leadership in the EFCC, we have quality people; some of the best that we can get in our country today, in my personal view,” Ribadu added.