A fierce political confrontation has erupted between Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Star Youth Initiatives, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The controversy stems from a viral TikTok video in which Naja’atu Muhammad accused Ribadu of previously labeling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a corrupt politician during his tenure as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following backlash, Ribadu, through his lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), demanded an unreserved apology, arguing that the claim was false and damaging to his reputation.
However, in a defiant response, Naja’atu Muhammad categorically rejected the request, daring Ribadu to take legal action if he believed he had a case.
“No Retreat, No Surrender”—Naja’atu Fires Back
Refusing to be intimidated, Naja’atu Muhammad stood her ground, insisting that her statements were based on records already in the public domain.
“There’s no retreat. No surrender. No apologies to Nuhu Ribadu. I’m speaking in response to the recent threats and intimidation by Nuhu Ribadu using his attack dogs and his lawyer, Ahmed Raji and Co.,” she declared.
She argued that Ribadu’s past remarks about Tinubu were well-documented and suggested that his current stance was driven by political convenience.
“Regarding my statement that the then chairman of the EFCC had publicly accused the then Governor of Lagos State, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, of being—and I quote—‘a corrupt government official who will not escape justice,’ I stand by every word,” she asserted.
Ribadu’s Camp Denies the Allegation
Nuhu Ribadu, through his legal representatives, has strongly refuted the claim that he ever accused Tinubu of corruption. In a statement, Ribadu’s lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), insisted that the NSA never made such public or private accusations against the now-President.
Raji emphasized that Naja’atu Muhammad’s comments had unfairly tarnished Ribadu’s reputation and demanded that she issue an immediate and unreserved apology.
“The damage has already been done to his reputation, and it is only proper that a retraction and an apology be made in good faith,” the lawyer stated.
“Apologize for What?”—Naja’atu Stands Her Ground
In a strongly worded counterstatement, Naja’atu Muhammad dismissed the call for an apology, ridiculing the idea that she should apologize for what she described as Ribadu’s “forgetfulness.”
“While I acknowledge that Nuhu Ribadu might have forgotten or chosen to retract his comment from the past, I stand by my statement and do not believe an apology is warranted,” she said.
She further questioned the logic behind the apology request, stating, “Apology to whom exactly? To President Tinubu for the earlier comments made by his now National Security Advisor? Or apology to Nuhu Ribadu for his forgetfulness and master-serving mindset?”
According to her, the facts remain unchanged, and no level of political maneuvering would alter history.
A History of Controversy
Naja’atu Muhammad has long been a vocal critic of Nigeria’s political elite, often taking controversial stances on national issues. Her latest remarks have reignited debates over past allegations of corruption against Tinubu and the role Ribadu played as EFCC Chairman.
Ribadu, who led the anti-graft agency between 2003 and 2007, was widely regarded as a fearless corruption fighter, taking on powerful figures. However, his later political career saw him align with some of the same politicians his agency once investigated, leading to accusations of inconsistency.
Many Nigerians remember how, during his EFCC tenure, Ribadu prosecuted several top politicians and even declared some as corrupt. Critics argue that his current role as NSA under the Tinubu administration contradicts his previous stance.
The Legal Battle Ahead?
With both sides standing firm, the possibility of a legal showdown looms. Naja’atu Muhammad has openly invited Ribadu to challenge her in court.
“I will not compromise my position to appease Nuhu Ribadu and his attack dogs. I will not retract my statement nor will I apologize for speaking the truth as I see it. You have issues, as you’ve threatened? Please go straight to the court. But nothing will silence me,” she declared
