"I Defected In Pursuit Of A Good Cause" - Ribadu's Open Letter In Full

Four days after his defection from the All Progressives Congress [APC] to the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] became public, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC], Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has personally given an insight into why he crossed to the ruling party.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page Mr. Ribadu said his “carefully considered decision” to defect to another party was in “in pursuit of a good cause, and never out of any selfish interests”. He did not expatiate on what this good cause is but he said his next step in his political struggle would be made known in due time.

MR. RIBADU’S FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

My good friends,

I know how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with my defection to another party. But I must assure you that it’s a carefully considered decision for which I do not wish to hurt anyone’s feeling. I’ll not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious, regional and ethnic affiliations.
Let me quickly make it known that I did not issue a statement disparaging APC and its members, including Governors Amaechi, Kwankwaso… These were clearly fabricated, expected backlash, by mischievous characters interested in misleading the public and drawing a picture of non-existent feuds between me and my good friends.
My defection shouldn’t be seen as an initiation of political antagonism with my good friends in another party. I still hold them in high esteem, and even where there are marked differences, I believe there are decorous and honorable ways of resolving them. So, kindly disregard any statement said to be by me attacking the personality of any politician since my defection. I’ll never allow myself to be drawn into such disrespectful exchange.
As for my next step in this political struggle, this would be made known in due time. For now, I wish to assure you that my defection is in pursuit of a good cause, and never out of any selfish interests as portrayed by a section. Thanks for bearing with me on this decision, and for those who have been in solidarity with my struggles and still giving me the benefits of the doubt, I’m most grateful. I’ll never let you down on this new path.

Thank you!

Nuhu Ribadu