New York, December 31, 2006—Africans In America, Inc., a leading human rights and think-tank organization raising awareness on social issues concerning the larger African community in the United States wish to announce our People Of The Year 2006 award winners.

Mr. Nuhu Ribadu
Her Excellency, Lady Dame Virgy Etiaba of Nigeria

As usual, the winners were selected after a very tedious process. They were chosen for various significant effects they have on the socio-cultural, socio-economic and socio-political developments in their country in particular, and the African continent in general.

Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, the Executive Chairman of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

At the time Nigeria established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2003, the country had been consistently rated as one of the most corrupt countries in the whole wide world by Transparency International, an organ co-founded by the current President of Nigeria. Most Nigerians never disputed the ratings, either.

Very few people around the world believed there were any hope in arresting the hydra-headed corruption monster tearing apart the very fabrics of Nigeria’s nationhood, well-being and future.

Prior to arrival of EFCC and Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, kick-backs, bribery and all sorts of corrupt practices were normal way of doing business, especially government business in the nation that wants to be referred as; the oil rich giant of Africa.

Let’s just simply say that; since assuming the leadership of the agency having been drafted from the country’s infamous police force, Mr. Ribadu had done marvelously well. His success record speaks for itself. We are not going to list them here because they are so many: federal lawmakers, the Chief of Nigeria police chiefs, federal ministers, President of Nigerian Senate, State governors, local government chairmen, and lawyers just to name only a few had been diligently investigated, arrested, charged to court, and some have been convicted on various frauds and corruption charges.

He has defied and shattered the racist stereotype that corruption in Nigeria in particular, and Africa in general has no solution. Mr. Ribadu proved that there is solution when the leadership has the character, integrity and the will to turn things around.

Though there are some serious complaints that EFCC is conducted a partial war against corruption; though EFCC has been accused of targeting only those opposed to Nigeria’s President for probe; none of the allegations robs away the clear landmark results and positive impact the war the agency is waging on corruption is having in Nigeria.

There has not been any known record of unjustifiable arrest, or arrest of innocent person or the use of torture to obtain evidence from suspects since Mr. Ribadu took over 3 years ago.

The ‘open street warfare’ between Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar presents serious challenges and test for the country’s reform initiatives.

The president has openly accused the vice president of corruption, and the vice president retaliated by releasing huge documentary evidence of massive fraud and corruption involving the president.

The clearly embarrassed friends of Africa and Nigerians worldwide are watching.

By setting the stage with very impressive test cases, EFCC under the leadership of Mr. Ribadu is laying the foundation for the imminent impartial macro war against corruption monster in Nigeria.

Mr. Ribadu has set appreciable standard for all Nigerian agencies serious on the reform initiatives and war on corruption to emulate.

We are proud to announce the selection of Mr. Nuhu Ribadu as our Man Of The Year 2006.

Lady Dame Virgy Etiaba, the 1st Female Executive Governor in Nigeria

Lady Dame Virginia Etiaba, as the 1st female state Executive Governor in Nigeria has broken major barriers and made impressive history; though she spent only one month in office.

She showed courage to assume the office of the state chief executive in a rather, very dangerous period and circumstances.

When the syndicates bend on fostering anarchy in Anambra State, cornering the state treasury and looting it silly illegally impeached the state governor on November 2, 2006 and also wanted to take control of the state, Lady Etiaba’s quick intellect saved the situation.

Being the Deputy Governor, Lady Etiaba quickly filled the vacuum created by her boss’s ouster; she clearly quickly outsmarted the syndicates with view to protect the peoples’ funds.

When the court ruled on December 28, 2006 that, the process by which the former governor was impeached was illegal, Lady Etiaba could have legally taken advantage of appeal process to prolong her stay in office, but she did not. She immediately invited her boss to take back the office. She started to arrange graceful and orderly transfer of power without delay.

Lady Etiaba’s application of superior and rare intellect has kept the ‘vultures and locusts’ at the federal and state levels out of the treasury of Anambra State government, at least.

For applying superior courage and wisdom; for setting such a major record; for holding the state together peacefully and establishing such precedent, and especially; for willingly and quickly arranging orderly transfer of office, Her Excellency, Lady Dame Virgy Etiaba is proudly our Woman Of The Year 2006.