by Tutu Akinlabi

Despite widespread rumours at the time that she was counsel to embattled former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, and hence owed her appointment to him, Farida Waziri has said that she never knew the former governor.

The former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri denied that Ibori had been responsible for her appointment despite claims by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo that she was chosen for the job by the former governor.

Mrs. Waziri, who reportedly spoke in an interview with EFCC Magazine, “Zero Tolerance”, to mark the 10-year anniversary of the agency, said some groups deliberately fought her and churned out false documents.

She said: “I never knew him; I never knew James Ibori. When I was appointed, I went to the Villa very often because the President called his staff and told them Farida has free access to him 24/7 whether in the office or Villa.

“So, I went there very often and I met Ibori; he was always there.”

On the allegation that she aided Ibori’s escape to Dubai through a tip-off, she said: “It’s all lies of the enemies.”

“By the time I write my book, the truth will prevail. I never knew Ibori; look, I believe what is worth doing at all is worth doing well. I don’t believe in half measures.

“By my training and upbringing, I can never betray my country for anyone, for any reason; I never had to go to National Security Adviser with the police to assist, that was when the police was attacked.

“If I was in league with him, wouldn’t I have said ‘lie low, don’t worry’, that we will just do that and pretend. Let me ask you, if I was in league with Ibori and was not sincerely pursuing him, would he have gone out of this country to Dubai?

“Of course, I was all out and that was how he ran out and went and got himself in more trouble.”

On her sack as EFCC chairman, faulted the approach adopted by President Goodluck Jonathan.

She said: “The manner of the sack was what bothered me. I have done a span of 35 years, fighting for my father land. I deserve some little dignity and respect.

“When you wake up and you see on AIT, Waziri sacked! ‘NTA, Waziri sacked!’ Channels, ‘Waziri sacked!’ That is the style I am talking about.

“My predecessor’s case was even worse, but I do hope that the authorities will take note. Except you are removed as a result of gross misconduct, any other way, you should be treated with dignity, respect for human person.

“So, it’s the style I frowned at, not about leaving; I knew I would one day leave. In fact, the hand writing was on the wall. I knew it was a matter of time.”