Naja’atu Muhammad, founder of the Northern Star Youth Initiative, has reiterated her stance against National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, refusing to retract or apologize for her statements.
In a video shared on social media, Muhammad maintained her claim that Ribadu, during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had accused President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of corruption.
Legal Threats and Muhammad’s Defiance
Following her remarks, Ribadu’s legal team, led by lawyer Ahmed Raji, issued a demand for a public retraction and apology. However, Muhammad dismissed the threats, insisting she would not be silenced.
She accused Ribadu of hypocrisy, arguing that he is now serving in an administration led by the same individuals he previously accused of corruption.
El-Rufai Supports Muhammad’s Claims
The controversy took another turn as former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasir El-Rufai, backed Muhammad’s statements. El-Rufai claimed he was present at a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in 2016 when Ribadu allegedly made similar accusations against Tinubu and others.
His support has intensified the debate, leading to increased scrutiny of Ribadu’s past statements and his current role in the Tinubu administration.
Muhammad Challenges Ribadu to Legal Action
In her latest response, Muhammad dared Ribadu to pursue legal action if he felt defamed.
“There is no retreat, no surrender, and no apology to Nuhu Ribadu,” she declared.
Addressing Ribadu’s legal threats, she accused him of using “attack dogs” to intimidate her.
“I stand by my statement that, as EFCC chairman, he publicly accused the then-Governor Bola Tinubu of being ‘a corrupt government official who will not escape justice.’
“If Ribadu has forgotten or chosen to retract his past statements, that is his decision. But I owe no apology to anyone. My words reflect my views based on public records, and I will not compromise my position to appease Ribadu and his allies.”
Escalating Political Tensions
The standoff has further deepened political tensions, with supporters and critics weighing in on the implications of Muhammad’s claims. As the controversy unfolds, attention remains on whether Ribadu will pursue legal action or if further revelations will emerge regarding past allegations of corruption.
