By Didimoko A. Didimoko, Abuja
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, once described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the most corrupt governor in Nigeria during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, political analyst, Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed, has insisted.
In an interview on Premier Radio on Wednesday, the prominent northern political analyst Hajia Mohammed reaffirmed her controversial statement despite Mallam Ribadu’s denial.
She claimed that Ribadu, during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had accused Tinubu of being the most corrupt governor in the country.
Ribadu strongly denied these allegations, asserting that he has never made such remarks, either publicly or privately.
His legal counsel, Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding that Naja’atu retract her statement and publicly apologize.
The formal demand, dated February 4, 2025, quickly circulated on social media.
The controversy resurfaced after a viral TikTok video in which Naja’atu accused Ribadu of hypocrisy for accepting a role in President Tinubu’s administration despite his earlier criticisms. Ribadu has argued that the video has severely damaged his reputation.
In the demand letter, Dr. Raji emphasized that Naja’atu had further claimed Ribadu identified Tinubu, along with Senators George Akume and Orji Uzor Kalu, as the governors responsible for the most extensive theft from Nigeria’s public coffers.
Naja’atu also suggested that Ribadu’s current allegiance to Tinubu either reflected a deceitful nature or a dramatic shift in his views, prompting Ribadu’s challenge that Naja’atu provides evidence to support her allegations, noting that the claims have tarnished his public image.
The letter demanded that she retract her statement and apologize in five national newspapers within seven days.
Failure to comply, Dr. Raji warned, would result in legal action for exemplary damages.
Despite the legal threats, Naja’atu has stood firm in her position, daring Ribadu to sue her if her claims are proven false.
She has maintained her stance, even as the dispute gains widespread attention.
