Date Published: 04/21/10

Allegations against Ribadu worries Acting President Jonathan

Goodluck Jonathan

The plethora of allegations against former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ridadu is currently giving the Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan sleepless nights, pointblanknews.com has learnt.

According to our source, the Acting President is still trying to come to terms with the strings of allegations against Ribadu, a man he has romanced, and being touted as the next anti-corruption czar.

Ribadu has been indicted by an EFCC report on sales of seized properties. According to the report, instead of deposit the proceeds into the Consolidated Revenue Fund as required by law, Ribadu made use of what he tagged 'Revenue Account".

Jonathan had showed some solidarity with Ribadu when he was in the US for the security summit. He also held a closed door meeting with him. This move fuelled speculations that Ribadu has been pencilled down to oversee the EFCC and ICPC as Special Adviser , anti-corruption.

Said our source " The whole report is quite embarassing to the the president. He had held Ribadu in high esteem, that was why he supported the move to drop the charges. But with all these allegations of fake companies, revenue account, the president is not comfortable because he knows the world is watching"

Proceeds of the sales of properties belonging to ex Inspector-General, Tafa Balogun, former Bayelsa Governor, Alamieyeseigha, and conman, Emmanuel Nwude, it was alleged were not properly accounted for by Ribadu and his men. Also instead of N12 billion, Ribadu accounted for N6billion.

It was also alleged that six unregistered companies bought most of the 21 properties seized from Tafa Balogun.

The development, it was learnt, elicited several petitions from counsels to those whose properties were seized.

The allegations of misappropriation of proceeds from sales of properties during his tenure is ruffling feathers within the Jonathan's kitchen cabinet, considering the fact that he has promised to fight corruption with all vigour, just as he is putting pressure on the National Assembly to pass the new anti corruption bill before June
The urgency is informed by the fact that during the last Financial Action Task Force meeting in Bahrain, Nigeria promised to put the law in place by the end of June 2010.

Ribadu fled the country after he was accused of none declaration of his assets. He was yet to face trial befiore the charges were curiously and controversially dropped. But Attorney General, Mohammed said recently that the gesture was not a done deal as public opinion would always be considered in such matters.

Festus Keyamo had said of the move to drop the charges " it is unwise, ill advised, abuse of office...it is shocking that Ribadu who arrested and detained public officers for similar offences is caught in this situation..."