Posted by By Olalekan Adetayo on
Three United States of America senators have written President Umaru Yar‘Adua seeking the Federal Government‘s assurance that it will ensure personal safety of the former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Three United States of America senators have written President Umaru Yar‘Adua seeking the Federal Government‘s assurance that it will ensure personal safety of the former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The US lawmakers, Senators Russell D. Feingold, Y. Isakso and Carl Levin, in the letter dated December 8, 2008, are also seeking a commitment from the President that he will hold accountable any individual responsible for Ribadu's recent reported harassment.
A copy of the letter was made available to our correspondent in Lagos on Sunday.
They said that as members of the US congress who closely followed developments in Nigeria, they were concerned that Nigeria might be backsliding on critical commitments to transparency, accountability, and rule of law.
The letter reads in part, 'Since the removal of Nuhu Ribadu as Chairman of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission earlier this year, we have seen the erosion of that important institution's competence and credibility.
'We worry that this signals a waning commitment by your government to combat corruption. We urge you in the strongest terms possible to take immediate measures to strengthen the EFCC as an institution and ensure it continues to stand for accountability and the rule of law- two essential steps in creating a positive environment for economic growth and development.
'We are also greatly troubled by recent reports that Ribadu himself is facing increased harassment and even death threats. These reports are disturbing in themselves, and potentially demoralising to the anti-corruption movement in Nigeria.
'We request that you take all necessary steps to ensure Mr. Ribadu‘s personal safety and make clear that you will hold accountable any individuals responsible for his harassment. 'In addition, we ask that you restore Ribadu‘s right to travel both domestically and internationally.
'We hope you will seize this opportunity to publicly reaffirm your commitment to combat corruption and strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria. We look forward to working together in the years ahead.'