By Jimitota Onoyume

PORT HARCOURT — POLITICAL leadership has been blamed for the problem of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region.

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who made this observation in Port Harcourt, weekend, recalled how he rejected $15 million bribe from a former Governor in the region to stop his prosecution.

The former EFCC boss who gave the keynote address at a programme organised by United Nigerian Citizens Consultative Initiative, UCCI, said he recovered about $5 billion stolen funds from corrupt politicians and fraudsters in the country when he was head of the Commission.

He charged Nigerians to insist on credible elections, noting that it was only such that would produce credible leaders for the country.

He also appealed to Nigerians to ensure they register for the coming elections, reminding them to be conscious of the fact that political power rests with the people.

“I am urging Nigerians to register as voters, which is very critical and important. They must also vote for the best, credible and God-fearing candidates. We deserve more than what we are getting from our leaders.

Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa, but we are yet to get it right. We are still having problems with electricity, potable water and housing, among others,” he said.

“Nigerians should participate in voters’ registration. One_man-one-vote is worth dying for. Protect your votes. Do not allow yourselves to be used during elections. Do not take politicians’ money. It’s not worth it,” he said.