Ribadu.

Glad that you have joined the presidential race to contest under the platform of, Action Congress of Nigeria. Last year (May 29th 2009), at the state of the Nigerian nation symposium, held at the London Metropolitan University, organized by the Nigerian Liberty Forum, people at the auditorium started shouting Ribadu for president, after your speech. Perhaps you have decided to answer the call of those Nigerians that shouted Ribadu for president.

You won my admiration after your speech on that day. I became fascinated about your comments on the Niger Delta crises, corruption, Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President), Chief Gani Fawehinmi, etc. You even dared the late Yar Adua’s government when you sneaked into the country to see Gani’s corpse at the mortuary. I have no doubts, that you have won the admiration of other Nigerians, while am also not under any illusion that many will not be comfortable with your presidential ambition.

It gave me pleasure, when I heard about your involvement with the formation of Nigeria shadow government/cabinet in the United States of America. Shadow government/cabinet is also an idea I have propagated in the past. As we prepare for elections next year, let me also ask Nigerians to also prepare for the formation of shadow government/cabinet. Further details can be found on the enclosed web link (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2010/02/shadow-government.html).

Your entrance into the presidential race has provided Nigerians with additional choice to make between other presidential aspirants. Though that, you might not have fought corruption completely during your tenure as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), personally I give you kudos for the extent you reached in fighting corruption in Nigeria. You were quoted saying that, when you fight corruption, corruption fights you back. I will agree with you completely on that. Corruption can only be fought with the active collaboration of Nigerians. No agency can fight it alone, because corruption has grown into a monster in Nigeria.

Giving free and fair election, and the candidate with the most track record at fighting corruption, I believe you stand better chances of wining. However, I am a bit skeptical about some top members of your chosen party (Action Congress of Nigeria), many of whom are corrupt politicians. Be that as it may, am also aware that in politics, there are no permanent friends, or permanent enemies, but permanent interests. Perhaps that could explain your involvement. But I have a different view, which is that corrupt politicians should be declared enemies of the Nigerian state.

For the sake of credibility, I would suggest you seek your presidential career with the National Conscience Party (NCP), founded by the late Gani Fawehinmi (Senior Advocate of the Masses). More so, be prepared to disclose publicly all sources of your campaign funding. We will also like to know the following; costs of your campaign, public declaration of your assets and liabilities, medical certificate of fitness, and your manifesto to govern Nigeria, including plans to fight corruption. As you do the above, be sure I will campaign for you. May God bless Nigeria.

Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/