From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos
Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC Mallam Nuhu Ribadu yesterday denied the purported statement were he was reported to have insulted the All Progressives Congress (APC) and some of its key members.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Ribadu said he never belittled the APC and its governors including Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso of Kano state after quitting the party.
“My good friends, I know how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with my defection to another party. But I must assure you that it’s a carefully considered decision for which I do not wish to hurt anyone’s feeling.
“I’ll not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious, regional and ethnic affiliations. Let me quickly make it known that I did not issue a statement disparaging APC and its members, including Governors Amaechi, Kwankwaso.
“These were clearly fabricated, expected backlash, by mischievous characters interested in misleading the public and drawing a picture of non-existent feuds between me and my good friends.”
He said his defection does not mean he was at war with his former party faithfuls. “My defection shouldn’t be seen as an initiation of political antagonism with my good friends in another party. I still hold them in high esteem, and even where there are marked differences, I believe there are decorous and honorable ways of resolving them. So, kindly disregard any statement said to be by me attacking the personality of any politician since my defection.
“I’ll never allow myself to be drawn into such disrespectful exchange. As for my next step in this political struggle, this would be made known in due time. For now, I wish to assure you that my defection is in pursuit of a good cause, and never out of any selfish interests as portrayed by a section. Thanks for bearing with me on this decision, and for those who have been in solidarity with my struggles and still giving me the benefits of the doubt, I’m most grateful. I’ll never let you down on this new path. Thank you!”
Ribadu defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party last week and his expected to run for the position of governor in the 11 October bye-election in Adamawa state.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
