By EMMA OVUAKPORIE
ABUJA—Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, presidential flag bearer, Mallam Nuhu Ahmed Ribadu, yesterday praised the development and peace that exist in states ruled by the party and declared that he was proud to be a rascal.

Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, presidential flag bearer, Mallam Nuhu Ahmed Ribadu

Ribadu made this declaration at the launching of “The People’s President”: Chronicle of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s 8 years leadership in NLC”, the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said the development in the South-West glaringly point to the fact that men of honour were in abundance in the zone.

He, however, alleged that what should have been the headache of Mr. President was the shameful presidential primary election that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, conducted in Eagle Square, Abuja, a few weeks ago.

Ribadu also claimed that only a small group of people divert the vast resources of the country with impunity, adding that must stop.

He said:  “We have a situation where a few  people cornered the entire resources of the country and do what they like with it. I was expecting our dear leader, our respected president to be talking about what happened in Eagle Square about  three weeks ago.

“Eagle Square is supposed to be the heart of this country but what happened there we should not even keep quiet. A ruling party would sit right in front of the  country, and do those things that were defeated. I am talking about the one that is out now. Have you taken your time to read what they sent to INEC? I think that was what we should be complaining about, not talking about those who are doing a little thing for their own people. It is a shame. I am proud I have joined what they will like to call the rascals.”

Responding, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, who represented President Goodluck  Jonathan, said the President had explained the use of that word which was still being appropriated and used as a presidential campaign slogan of the ACN.

Comically, Wogu said he wondered how they used the word without acknowledging the “author of the word.”
He defended his presidential election of his party and claimed that the election was transparent and has turned out to be the best in the world.

‘What happed at the Eagle Square is the presidential primary of the PDP, a great party and a great party in Africa. That primary went on well and it is on record to be the best that will come out of any party in the world”, said Wogu.

Osun State Governor, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola also condemned President Jonathan’s comments noting that PDP has been in power for 12 years but “the government brought nothing but infamy,” despite the quantum of resources the nation cannot point at any meaningful achievement.

The governor said: “One could therefore be worried that President Jonathan could have the temerity to describe people as rascally.”

Argbesola said: “Mr. President, that is not how to speak in the public. All of us will be ready to put a stop to this.”
He urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to ensure that nobody rigs the forthcoming election.

The Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who launched the book was grateful to the author.

He said Nigerians should be celebrating the former Military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar who repealed the decree that empowered him to contest and emerge the NLC President .Eminent personalities from all walks of life who grace the occasion were President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, Abdulsaheed Abubakar, ACN presidential candidate Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi and Osun State Governor  Engr. Rauf Aregbesola.

The NLC President Comrade Omar Abdulwahed, Human Right Activist, Mr. Femi Falana, Former NLC President Comrade Hassan Sumonu and others also graced the launch.