The idea of establishing the embattled Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by the defunct Obasanjo regime was undoubtedly acceptable as a positive development and well intended move to curb the menace and cankerworm of corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria, which mainly take place in public offices. Likewise the choice and appointment of Assistant Inspector of Police, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to anchor activities of the Commission was never by omission, rather through reasoned and deliberate intention and belief that the man Ribadu could handle the job very well, with full zeal and dedication.

However, after proving his mettle and demonstrating his capability to deliver what is expected of him in prosecuting culprits and defaulters in monetary management in offices, instead of promoting him, here was Nuhu Ribadu receiving gradual annihilation and a step by step expulsion from the job he was before assured of suitably carrying it out very well. First, Ribadu was accused of “overdoing things”, hence the EFCC (Ribadu) was put under the surveillance of the Attorney General of the Federation, who is deemed to have the power to give EFCC the mandate or clearance to make arrests and prosecution of defaulting public office holders. Secondly, and the latest, was a cover taken under the guise of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro to send Nuhu Ribadu for studies at the apex Nigerian elitists or the so-called “Mafia” (Powerful People) School of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies NIPSS, at Kuru, in Plateau State.

One definitely wonders why after all, Malam Ribadu was performing to expectation; he would deserve such gradual extinction form the anti-graft office. If at all Nigerian leaders are serious on redeeming the country’s image from the annual grading by international bodies, topping the list of most corrupt countries with Nigeria, why on earth are they bent on clipping the wings, or rather, taming the active EFCC boss, Malam Nuhu Ribadu? While so many reasons were attributed to the deposition of Nuhu Ribadu, including those who reasoned that an institution ought not always be personified by the individual heads of such organizations, so much that it is assumed they are indispensable, or nothing could work in their absence.

Although those sharing this line of thinking may be right, the circumstance that surround the incident of Ribadu’s removal speak aloud to prove that he was just turned to a scapegoat, as someone hated by the corrupt elements in Nigeria.

Some of the clear reasons for eliminating Ribadu include HIS defiance in bringing to book, powerful personalities, such as ex-governors of Delta and co., in spite of their alleged closeness to the presidency. Another reason that might have cost Ribadu his seat is the recent move by EFCC to probe former President Obasanjo’s daughter, Mrs. Iyabo Obasanjo Bello, as well as the eminent signs that Chief Obasanjo himself would be roped in by the anti graft Commission, under Malam Nuhu Ribadu, more particularly as he pronounced his readiness in the media to prosecute even Obasanjo himself, if reliable clues of Obasanjo’s corrupt practices would be presented to his Commission.

In some quarters, it is rumoured that the Yar Adua regime has discovered that Ribadu was silently working the bid of General Muhammadu Buhari to bring down the government. Whether this allegation is true or false, Nigerians are better judges as to how could Ribadu be working for some one else, apart from the guidelines issued him by his paymasters, or rather according to constitutional provisions. In a nutshell, Nuhu Ribadu’s removal from EFCC is seen by many Nigerian masses as a coup against their savior or their champion, who took the pains of checking and dealing with those who plunder embezzle their resources for nothing sake. On the other hand, his removal would come as a big relief to those who are neck deep in corrupt practices and squandering of public funds and trusts. For now, insinuations began to indicate that either of some three key officers, which include, Mr.

Fakery Gladsome, the SSS boss, Police Commissioner Solomon Arase and Police Commissioner Yinka Balogun would likely become the successor of Nuhu Ribadu.

Another story line had it that former military Governor of Kaduna State Colonel Dangiwa Umar was invited by the Presidency to replace Nuhu Ribadu.