By Hussaini Hammangabdo
Pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, has formally declared to contest for the governorship seat in his home state of Adamawa, under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). While addressing the mammoth crowd that graced the official declaration, yesterday, in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, Ribadu vowed to replicate the anti-corruption crusade of President Buhari at all tiers of governments for all-encompassing progress and development. He noted that visionary leadership with capacity and modern thinking; to provide needed redirection beyond deceptive makeup, is needed to transform Adamawa State. The former anti-corruption czar expressed confidence that he would open a new vista in governance and give the people of Adamawa reasons to once again be proud of their state and country, if elected.
He noted that he is out to uplift the community, which he has known all his life, adding it is that zeal that made him pursue a career in law enforcement to fight injustice and bring about development.
“Adamawa is in dire need of leadership that encompasses good qualities; that will not lie or deceive or put its interests, over and above the interest of the entire state.
“We need a leadership that would restore our dignity as a people and one that would be honest and forthright.
“Our dear state is facing a number of developmental challenges that require urgent, holistic and strategic handling.
“Therefore, skewing a process like the primaries to favour one person, even though unpopular, may only lead our great party to failure, something no genuine party member would desire.
“It takes visionary leadership with capacity and modern thinking to provide that needed redirection, beyond deceptive makeup.
“I come with genuine intention and I have a burning passion to change the fortunes of our people for good, with all sense of humility.
“I believe I possess the requisite credentials, both academic and character, required to move this state forward. I will run an all-inclusive government where all stakeholders like you truly have stakes.
“As we move into the primaries, what we require from you, our party leaders, is utmost level of responsibility by allowing free and fair contest.
“We cannot afford to manipulate our party into failure; injustice can never stand. Even if it does, it would be on shaky foundations, which can collapse at any time.
“In this drive to change Nigeria, I believe our president needs support of individuals with similar vision, especially at the sub-national level.
“It is not enough to have a reformed federal government and an honest and sincere president, this has to be replicated at other tiers of government for us to have the all-encompassing progress we desire.
“In life of service, one’s first consideration should be the impact one makes under the circumstance. It is therefore that same determination to serve that is responsible for me offering myself to serve our dear state.”
The former EFCC Boss appealed to all political actors in the state to eschew antagonism or stoking of primordial sentiments but instead explore the misfortunes and living conditions of the people to advance their interests.
Alhaji Ibrahim Bilal, state chairman, APC, in his remarks at the occasion, assured level playing ground for all the aspirants in the state.
Incumbent governor, Jibrilla Bindow, Mahmood Halilu Ahmed and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are to contest in the forthcoming APC primaries slated for 29 September to fly the party’s flag in the state.