By Akinwunmi King /Lagos
Nuhu Ribadu
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a community leader in Oghara, Delta State, Chief Champion Kpateghe, has accused the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, of conniving with enemies of the former Delta State governor, James Ibori, to fabricate the $15 million bribery allegation.
Kpateghe, who was reacting to judgment delivered by a Federal High Court last Friday, that the $15 million allegedly offered by Ibori, be forfeited to the Federal Government, noted that the judgment was a vindication for Ibori.
While noting that Ibori has consistently maintained that he neither stole from Delta State government coffers, nor offered the alleged bribe, the community leader said, "From the judgment, it has become obvious that Ibori did not steal from Delta State.
"The money had always belonged to the Federal Government, and the judgment, as expected, has confirmed it.
"Ribadu had connived with political enemies of Ibori to fabricate the bribery allegation to whittle down his political influence during the late Umaru Yar'Adua's presidency.
"Ribadu's action was a carry over of former President Olusegun Obasanjo's political disagreements with Ibori," he added.
He restated the commitment of oghara community to Ibori, saying "we are prayerful that he will return to a hero's welcome."
