I am a Liverpool fan – Ribadu tells Jarushub

JARUSHUB’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MALLAM NUHU RIBADU, FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Good day Mallam. My name is Suraj Oyewale, the founder of Jarushub.com. Thank you for doing me the honour of accepting this interview request. I will focus more on your career, personality and life, and less on politics, because the blog is primarily for the former.

JH: You read law for first and second degrees at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, yet you joined the Nigerian Police Force. It doesn’t appear to me that a law graduate (with second degree for that matter) would want to settle for Policing as his career today. Do you agree with me? Why did you join the Police Force? Why has the Force become so unattractive to fine minds today?

NR: Choosing a career can be a tough decision for young graduates whose only ambition is settling down for just whatever brings fat salaries home. But this was not so when I set out on my journey into the Nigerian Police Force; I had learnt a lot, especially in the course of my youth Service, about the impacts of fighting crimes as a law enforcement officer and, more importantly, as one with a background in Law. I had realised that if you really want to practise Law, Nigeria Police Force gives you the best opportunities, because every form of crime keeps coming to your desk and challenging you to put your legal skills to use until the day you’re retired.

The Police Force is a career that either sharpens or destroys your conscience, which is why it’s too important to be left for uninspired and emotionally unresponsive citizens. In my case, I chose to be a policeman out of sheer passion and sensitivity to the happenings around me. The satisfaction derived from fighting crimes and being able to entrench the rule of law was all that mattered to me. I always wanted to be on the side of the weak and fighting for justice. These pursuits of justice dominated my life that I had had so many convictions as a prosecutor before I was appointed EFCC Chairman. There is no place to practise public law better than in the Nigerian Police.

Our people actually find police force unattractive because of the lack of distinction between elite police and the rank-and-file cops on the street. I was more of a public prosecutor than a general duty policeman. I spent most of my time as policeman in mufti, pursuing cases. In fact, my first stint of public service was as an NYSC lawyer with the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) that tried second republic politicians during General Muhammadu Buhari’s regime.

I must correct that my second degree was actually earned while in the service. This tells you the focus and determination that come with being passionate about one’s profession. Policemen face the same stigmatisations all over the world, which is understandable because nobody is expected to love someone paid to ensure the people abide by the law, a power that can be abused.

Unlike in the US where you have distinct system, separating elite police like the FBI from local policemen, Nigeria operates a unitary police where the elite and rank-and-file officers lack requisite distinctions. The Nigerian police also suffered under the military regimes. The military purposely refused to develop the police force; it was under-funded and denied a space to grow into a respectable system. I think these are some of the reasons why many are unwilling to pursue a career in the police force.

JH: You come across as very passionate about Nigeria. What drives your passion?

I don’t think this is an unusual trait. Everyone who is sensitive to the happenings around him naturally develops a passion to either redeem or refuse to contribute to aberrant activities. Being passionate is just a form of silent protests to criticisms that certain things can’t be done. With passion, everything is achievable. My own passion is driven by willingness to serve people, to see a Nigeria where citizens go to bed well-fed and with their eyes closed. My passion is driven by allergies to injustice and dishonesty in private and public endeavours.

JH: Segun Adeniyi, in an interview he granted this blog recently, said one of his toughest times as presidential spokesperson to late President Yar’Adua was during the ‘Ribadu  drama at EFCC’. Have you forgiven the late President on the manner your exit from EFCC was hatched?

NR: Forgiveness is necessary to build trust for the future. I have forgiven Umaru, unconditionally. But you must know that the needless witch-hunts were masterminded by some aggrieved people who could not get away with their wrongs while we were in office. What I passed through were enough to get me holding lifetime grudges against those involved, but there is no space for hate in my heart. I have forgiven and moved on to better things, and paying attention to that tragic episode of the past is really a distraction at this stage in life.

JH: Many people will vow that you are one of the cleanest public officers Nigeria has seen in recent times, giving your refusal to accept Ibori’s US$15m as the strongest proof. Are you doing anything to mentor young Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of honesty and integrity?

NR: Mentorship is not having a group of younger people together in a classroom; it’s not all about teaching the virtues or ethics of serving humanity. Mentorship is living a life worthy of emulation. The resolve to mentor or become an exemplar is merely by practising what qualifies for honest, noble and transparent. Attempting to deliberately mentor people is, in my perception, a dishonest approach to mentorship. You have to be even unconsciously honest and against anything that seeks to have you going against your will.

I am, however, flattered that people find me worthy of being their role model, and for this trust I always I use every opportunity I have to interact with them and share my ideas, thoughts and motivations in expecting that such may inspire others to tread the path of honour. There is no accomplishment greater than a conscience that not only comforts but gives you a reason to be happy.

Years after I left office, I’m still contented with all I have, and happier than those who stashed taxpayers money in foreign accounts and built mansions all over the world. I have no regrets for my decisions to tread this path, it’s comforting. Aside from the salary account I opened as a public officer, the only other account I have was when I had a job in the US and my subsequent work in Afghanistan. I may say that being married to just one wife all my life helped me keep my expenses low; my legitimate incomes have been enough for us.

JH: What advice do you have for my readers, and Nigeria’s teeming youths in general?

NR: While I’m concerned that the destiny of every nation and people is tied to the evolution of its politics, I want the
youth to start the needed reforms with themselves, by recognising their place and relevance in the affairs of the nation. The youth must stand together to resist being hoodwinked to hate fellow countrymen on basis of religious or ethnic differences, instead of remaining sensitive to misgovernance of the country.

You see, contrary to certain beliefs, you don’t need to be a public figure or in position of authority to pave the way to a social or political change. It’s just your resolve to stand upright in spite of expected temptations, it’s just your resolve to be a part of the change agents ready to engage and revive our dying and dead institutions. This is what I have for the youth of this country.

JH: On a final and lighter note sir, let me go a bit into your personal life. How do you unwind? Do you do any sports? Which football club, if any, do you support? 

NR: Well, I spent quite a lot of time reading. And if I’m not following news on TV, I may be with my family. Being with family is itself a relaxing moment. I must admit that I do a lot of physical exercises now that I’m getting old (laughs).

I watch a lot of sporting activities from football to tennis. In terms of supporting a team, I promoted a football club here in Abuja to premiership level when I was at the EFCC. I have always been passionate about football.

At the international level, I support Liverpool FC. I remain a loyal fan, not willing to walk alone despite the unfavourable seasons. I’m happy that we begin this season with a victory against Stoke City. It’s a sign of the good things ahead for the Reds!

Thanks for your time sir.

NB: Other blogs and online platforms are permitted to republish this exclusive interview, but due credit and link back should be given to Jarushub.

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