Nigerian President's Death Affects Richmond, CA Event
May 6, 2010
American Legion
Post 875
The Nigerian Association of America
1401 Marina Way South
Richmond, CA 94804
The Nigerian Association of America
1401 Marina Way South
Richmond, CA 94804
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Jackie Wright, 415 525 0410
May 6, 2010
DEATH OF NIGERIAN PRESIDENT
POSTPONES PUBLIC RECEPTION AND BANQUET IN RICHMOND, CA FOR NIGERIAN PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL,
MAL NUHU RIBADU
POSTPONES PUBLIC RECEPTION AND BANQUET IN RICHMOND, CA FOR NIGERIAN PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL,
MAL NUHU RIBADU
The Nigerian Association of America and the American Legion Post 875 Slated the Saturday May 8 Event for the Former Chairman of the Nigerian "F.B.I." But Plans Are Now on Hold.
RICHMOND, CA- The Nigerian American Association and the American Legion Post 875 were working feverishly to organize a reception and banquet, Saturday May 8th for Nigerian presidential hopeful Mal Nuhu Ribadu, former chairman of the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (equivalent to the F.B.I.); But news Wednesday of the death of Nigerian President Umaru Musa YarAdua, halted the plans for the community celebration "We are the World" Civic Reception and Dinner Banquet led by Dr. Obasi A. Obasi, President of the Nigerian American Association and Commander Eddie L. Welbon, American Legion Post 875.
"Our hearts go out to the First Family of Nigeria and our fellow countrymen throughout the world as we mourn the death of "His Excellency Umaru Musa Yar Adua," said Dr. Obasi A. Obasi. "Mr. Ribadu was called back to Nigeria to pay tribute and to assist the government in this sad time of transition. We look forward to his joining us in the future during happier times."
Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as President on Thursday and has called for a seven-day period of mourning for the country. Mr. Jonathan was "Acting President" due to the illness of President Yar'Adua, which had been on going, since his election in 2007. According to reports, the late President was out of the country for long periods of time seeking medical treatment. Mr. Jonathan was sworn in as "Acting President" February 9, 2010 to avert a political and constitutional crisis in Nigeria while Yar'Adua sought medical care in Saudi Arabia.
Former First Lady, Turai Yar'Adua, was with her husband's body to Katsina and overlooked a final military parade at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja Thursday before departure to the late president's final resting place in Katsina, his hometown. The late President Yar'Adua, a Muslim, will be buried before sunset Thursday, according to Muslim tradition.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian people and those of Nigerian descent here in the U.S.," said Eddie C. Welbon, Commander of American Legion Post 875. "Saturday's event fast approaching event was a great grassroots example of the African Diaspora working together. I 'd like to thank Dr. Obasi, Nathanial Bates, Reno Omkri, Demetria Pope, and Tempi Priestly who stepped up to the plate to help and award-winning journalist and publicist Jackie Wright, our emcee for the program and media outreach volunteer. Thanks to everyone including sponsors for helping with this community collaboration, We are the World."
Dr. Obasi would not speculate when Mr. Ribadu would be in the Bay Area again and would be honored; but he indicated that the celebration is just on hold and plans will be put into action again when Mr. Ribadu returns. The Nigerian presidential election will be held in April 2011.
The "We Are the World" community event that had been slated for 5 p.m. May 8th at the Marina Bay Bingo and All Events Center, 1401 Marina Way South in Richmond, CA was to be free and open to the public with invited guests including Bay Area political and community leaders.
"This great celebration of people was going to be a wonderful opportunity for some good news to be generated from Richmond," added Commander Welbon. "The good people of Richmond and the Bay Area need to hear about the good things happening in our town, so we look forward to greeting Mr. Ribadu in the future, in the meantime we mourn with Nigeria."
Sponsors for Saturday's event in addition to organizers, the American Legion 875 and the Nigerian Association of America included La Perla, South Berkeley Community Church, Malai Thai Restaurant of San Francisco, A.N.I. Security, and Renaissance.
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Background Information
Nigerian Presidential Hopeful
Mal Nuhu Ribadu
Mal Nuhu Ribadu
Ribadu was born November 11,1960. He is the former charismatic Nigerian Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appointed by President Obasanjo.
On April 15, 2008, The International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (World Bank) selected Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for the
Jit Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service. The award is in recognition Ribadu's contributions to the campaign against financial crimes in Nigeria.
Ribadu graduated from the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar in 1984, before joining the Nigeria Police, where he rose to become head of the Legal and Prosecution department, Police Headquarters, Abuja. His 18-year service in the Nigeria Police culminated in his appointment as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003.
Ribadu has been the recipient of several awards, as a police officer, prosecutor and Chairman, EFCC. He received triple Inspector General of Police Awards in 1997, 1998 and 2000 and the Special Commendation of the Accountant General of the Federation for successfully prosecuting some corrupt public servants in 1999.
Ribadu successfully waged a comprehensive war against official corruption leading to the arrest, prosecution and imprisonment of top government officials including governors, ministers, former leaders of the National Assembly and former Inspector General of Police.
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