Abuja – The Action Congress of  Nigeria (ACN) presidential candidate,  Mallam Nuhu Ribadu,  on Friday  said  he  never listed former Lagos State governor,  Bola Tinubu,  as  corrupt when he was EFCC boss.

Ribadu, who was answering   questions at the NN24 Presidential Debate  held in Abuja, said Tinubu had made tremendous contributions  to the development of  Lagos State  as well as the growth of democracy.

“Tinubu is one Nigerian that I respect very much. He deconstructed the power of the ruling party in Lagos. He supported and nurtured the growth of  ACN from the scratch,’’ he said.

Ribadu also stated that if elected, he would reduce the multiplicity of  government paratatal  agencies.

“We will place emphasis on private sector-driven economy.

“ Investing in people and private sector will boost development of small scale enterprises.

“ We will cut down the number of  government agencies and parastatal agencies  to save funds for use to develop the critical sectors of  the economy,’’ he added.

Also speaking,  retired  Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Congress  for Progressive Change (CPC) flag bearer,  denied being  autocratic as perceived by a section of the  media.

Buhari said between 2003 and 2007,  he had  course to approach the courts to express his grievances over the outcome of the elections.

This, he said,  was a confirmation of  his democratic credentials.

“When I lost elections in 2003 and 2007,  I did not go to the streets. I spent 50 months in the courts asking for my rights.

“ That shows I am a democrat but I chose to use the courts to vent my disagreement with the conduct of  the polls,  he added.(NAN)