The Man with Integrity from Africa

Nuhu Ribadu, head of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)visited the World Bank recently;

“Now for the first time in its history, people are being called to account, stolen resources are being recovered, and the corrupt are being punished. We have the possibility to establish rule of law and accountability,” Ribadu added.

“What we need is training, equipment, and exposure for our staff. We also need your support at the international level. So much of grand corruption is out of our control, as the money goes out of our jurisdiction. If the World Bank can help us retrieve stolen money and ensure there is no safe haven outside, it will help us immensely in our fight internally. There should be no hiding place for the corrupt; treat them like terrorists,” he appealed.

Further, asserted Ribadu, “you must carry the message to the world that corruption is behind the failure of governance. You must continue to support our work. That then sends a strong message to our elite that the world is watching what is happening in Nigeria, and that protects us."

“I have seen multinationals and big oil companies play by the rules elsewhere, but behaving badly in Nigeria and Africa because of our collapsed systems. We have to insist ourselves on the rule of law and order; then everyone will behave,” he said.

It seems Ribadu’s tenure expires on Sunday- I wonder whether his job will be renewed.