Don't reply the fools, for people may not know the difference." This is a popular maxim, though its origin may elude one. That by no means de-emphasises the cogence of the message or the wisdom in the saying, which should be tenaciously upheld by wise people anywhere in the world. This is obviously so regardless with their positions. Whether as chief executives, their godfathers and appointees, public officers and commoners alike may find some sense in the popular saying.

Undoubtedly, Nuhu Ribadu, erstwhile chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had demonstrated uncommon wisdom in his private and public affairs. This is the case whether in or outside public office. It was the case when he was in Nigeria and when he was forced out by series of persecution. It was probably an apt justification for his appointment to head the anti-graft body by the former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Whatever might have forced Obasanjo to take such a decision is not the focus of this discourse. And whether Obasanjo was genuinely fighting corruption, persecuting perceived opponents or playing to the gallery was a non-issue. The truth was that an anti-corruption crusader was appointed to fight the menace, and he discharged his duties without fear or favour.

Ribadu's uncommon wisdom was why he was chosen among the multitude of presumably competent people, especially in Nigerian security and intelligence community. His wisdom was evident in the way he approached, pursued and prosecuted the anti-corruption crusade. Whatever malice one may harbour against the officer, one could not help conceding that Ribadu had selflessly prosecuted the anti-corruption war throughout his tour of duty in the EFCC.

No one doubted his commitment and zealotry in fighting and eradicating abuse of public office in Nigeria. Bribery and corruption were twin evils that pervaded the fabric of public life; and were ironically the catalyst for public office attraction in Nigeria. The corruption cankerworm might be unanimously recognised as the biggest obstacle to Nigeria's take-off and economic greatness.

But they were at the same time tacitly accepted by the victims as inevitable way of life, especially by the public officers. A personality who within short period of time fought official corruption to a standstill could not be described as ordinary, and no one could easily and successfully smear his name or personality. It is in this context that one should consider the persistent persecution and campaign of calumny by a united front whose membership cut across all arms of government in Nigeria.

Nuhu Ribadu was far from being a fool, for he was fully aware of his calling and the reason for consciously choosing his profession and occupation he was allegedly dismissed from. He was truly not a fool, which was why he made tremendous impact in the anti- corruption war. This was acknowledged both within and outside the country. Fear of Nuhu or Ribadu and the EFCC was the beginning of wisdom, especially by the thieving public officers, agents and cohorts. Nigerian mice and rats were on the verge of being outsmarted. The uncommon thieves wearing important political toga unwillingly lay low; some took to their heels as political fugitives, especially in Europe and the West. There were no hiding places for the Nigerian pilferers when Nuhu Ribadu was in charge. This was the situation despite their unrivaled experience in roguery, which they elevated to an art.

Suddenly, there was a change of guard, and the miscreants were able to maneuver, taking-over political leadership in the country. They used their ill-gotten wealth to sponsor political mockery in the name of democratic election. As they took charge, their first assignment was to effectively cage the anti-corruption crusader, firstly by sending him to the "executive" course in the country's Institute of Strategic Studies. It was, indeed, a strategic decision but not in the collective interest of the country. It was a "safe" means of dealing with the outstanding crusader. Subsequent series of persecutions were a vindication of Nigerians' suspicion. Nigerians were very familiar with the reduction in rank, humiliation at NIPSS's graduation ceremony and attempts on the life of Nuhu Ribadu. The events spoke eloquently that the rogues have taken effective control of political power, and will leave no stone unturned to take their pound of flesh from Nuhu Ribadu for daring corruption in Nigeria. Who is Nuhu Ribadu by the way? He was lucky to have escaped out of the country alive. He would have shared the same experience with the Bola Iges, Chuba Okadigbos, Dickibos etc.

The recent pronouncement of Justice Constance Momoh, declaring Nuhu Ribadu as a fugitive of law was only a continuation of the systematic persecution. Nuhu Ribadu was declared wanted for alleged non-declaration of assets. The police was ordered to arrest him. The legal luminary was short of saying "dead or alive." Though that was not said, but one could read between the lines. This is where the police invited one for a chat and the invitee was declared dead. The order was like giving the police license to shoot Nuhu Ribadu on sight. One would forget the common antic of the Nigeria Police, "resisting arrest." Nigerians expect that from the police anytime the eventually fell Ribadu inside or outside the country.

Typical with the brave officer, he was reported to have replied his persecutors; and that he did appropriately. Nuhu Ribadu was reported saying, "In the past, I had made this point and it may just be as well to repeat it for all, all my assets are reflected in my code of conduct declaration, and if the regime in power is convinced as its sponsored agents had claimed in the past that I have assets in and out of Nigeria, I again openly and willingly forfeit them to the state today." It was a short declaration which should have lain to rest Ribadu's series persecution. If for nothing, it was an apt reply to the fools whose number is soaring by the day in this government. The reply did not portray Nuhu Ribadu as foolish as his persecutor. It rather portrayed them to whichever arm of Nigerian government they belong as more foolish. Nigerians expect James Ibori as well as most of the former governors to make similar declaration as Nuhu Ribadu. Mos certainly, they won't.