TheCable

Nuhu Ribadu, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says Nigerians must collectively fight the war against corruption because the crooks have been winning the battle.

Ribadu said this while speaking to journalists after the 12th annual public symposium organised by the Abuja chapter of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN).

The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said though the anti-graft war is going on “very well,” it could still be improved upon.

“What is going on today is reinvigoration, a change that put corruption as number one priority of government. I want to salute those who are responsible for that. I totally agree,” he said.

“And I appeal to all Nigerians to please, for God’s sake, let’s think about our country, let’s make our own people the winner even if it means for once. The crooks have been winning. Those who are stealing our own money have been winning. Let’s turn it around and make Nigerians winner.

“It’s going on very well. It can be done better. But you also know and agree that things have changed. If you know the volume or the amount of money that we say today we have recovered, money stolen from individual and people, the money is with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), that tells you the story of what is going on today. We can do better.

“We are still going through problems and difficulties. What matters is for all of us to come together. I don’t think we should be talking about government alone. Government can lead and carry the flag. But all of us must be the subjects of this war against corruption.”

Ribadu had earlier urged the media to champion the anti-corruption message and always stand for what is right.

“Above all, fear of God should be the guiding principle always. At points of temptation always prick your conscience; ask yourself; what or who is on the side of the truth before making news judgement or lending yourself to any cause,” he said.