17th September, 2010
Political observers have likened Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to the biblical young David who dared the giant, Goliath when he (Ribadu) declared his intention to contest as Nigeria’s president alongside President Goodluck Jonathan and former military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB.
Ribadu accepted his opponents are giants, he therefore urged his supporters to pray that he emerged victorious like David, in the presidential battle against the political giant in January, 2011.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, who was retired as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, said he was contesting to change Nigeria.
“I want to see a possibility of opening a new chapter for the country. And those in charge somehow, need to give chance for the country to move forward,†Ribadu said.
As a former EFCC boss, Ribadu admitted the corrupt politicians he had fought would change back. But he said he had always been a fight.
In the police, Ribadu explained that he fought armed robbers, 419 fraudsters and others without being scratched.
Ribadu said his priority would be to remake Nigeria, give everyone the chance to love his fellow countryman in order to build a nation out of our own country.
He promised to encourage Nigerians in diaspora to come back home to participate fully because they constitute some of our best.
Ribadu said he believed he had adequate preparation that could make him the president of Nigeria having put in 25 years in the public service and his ability to mobilise majority of Nigerians who have always been disenfranchised.
According to him, the money to prosecute his presidential ambition will come from contributions of ordinary Nigerians and anyone who volunteer to assist him, adding that he will rely more on individual donations.