A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said yesterday that Nigerians must collectively fight the war against corruption because “the crooks are now winning the battle”.

Ribadu said this yesterday while fielding questions from journalists after the 12th annual public symposium organized by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Abuja chapter.

The former EFCC boss chaired the symposium themed “Anti-Corruption: The Role of Media as a Change Agent”.

The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who gave a positive assessment of the ongoing battle against corruption, stated that the war could still be improved upon.

“What is going on today is reinvigoration, a change that put it (corruption) as number one priority of government. I want to salute those who are responsible for that. I totally agree.

“And I appeal to all Nigerians to please, for God’s sake, let’s think about our country, let’s make our own people the winner even if it means for once. The crooks have been winning. Those who are stealing our own money have been winning. Let’s turn it around and make Nigerians winners,” said Ribadu, who was asked to rate the current fight against corruption.

He added, “it’s going on very well. It can be better. But you also know and agree that things have changed. If you know the volume or the amount of money that we say today we have recovered, money stolen from individuals and groups, the money is with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). That tells you the story of what is going on today. We can do better.