Nuhu Ribadu may take over as ICPC anti corruption agency boss

Presidency sources said Mallam Nuhu Ribadu may be appointed the new Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

ICPC current chairman, Ekpo Nta, was asked to proceed on a forceful leave. The move is reported to be a prelude to his sack.

Ekpo Nta’s compulsory leave was communicated to him by a letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

Recall that the embattled ICPC Chairman had earlier received two letters from the office of the SGF.

Both letters had requested that he proceed on compulsory leave. Ekpo Nta reportedly ignored the Federal Government’s directive.

Nta was appointed by President Jonathan in acting capacity in 2011 and was confirmed a year after by the Senate.

It was gathered that at a meeting with President Buhari earlier this year, Nta had argued that his tenure would end on November 17, 2017.

The President countered saying that by his records, Nta’s tenure as ICPC head ends on November 17, 2016.

Sources said Nta’s handling of corruption cases against former governors may have nailed him.

Recall that the Federal Government was said to have concluded plans to file fraud charges against some former governors.

With Nta out, President Buhari will shop for new strong man, who will work in conjunction with the EFCC to probe those accused of fraud.

This is as the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, has invited some former governors and current office holders for questioning regarding assets declaration.

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Feelers from Aso rock has it that President Buhari is considering Nuhu Ribadu as the next ICPC boss.

The President’s target with ICPC is believed to be aimed against former governors and he thinks Nuhu Ribadu will be the perfect man for the job.