Ribadu dares Jonathan, IBB, joins presidential race

The former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday declared that he would vie for the presidency in 2011, less than 24 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan and the former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, did same.

In his characteristic manner, he insisted he was not intimidated by the power of incumbency enjoyed by President  Jonathan, who is also an aspirant or the stature of those of other contenders like Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida.

Ribadu, who is not known to be a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintained sealed lips on the ticket on which he wishes to actualise his ambition, while confirming his interest in vying for the seat of number one citizen of the country to journalists in Abuja.

The former EFCC boss said he was inspired to be part of the team that was on the mission to rescue the country and place it on a new path of progress, even as he continues with necessary consultation before he publicly declares.

He said whatever ticket he chooses eventually must be national in outlook, but with the motive of saving the country from the perennial problems of corruption, insecurity and general backwardness.

Ribadu, unlike President Jonathan, promised to solve the lingering problems of insecurity and erratic power in the country if elected.