Tigran Gambaryan’s latest accusations towards Nigeria’s Nationwide Safety Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, are as reckless as they’re unsubstantiated. If the previous Binance govt hoped to sway public opinion by casting himself as a sufferer of corruption, he has sorely miscalculated. His claims elevate extra questions than solutions—questions that expose the contradictions and handy omissions in his narrative.
First, if there was any reality to his allegation that Nigerian officers, together with Ribadu, solicited bribes from Binance, why did his attorneys not current this declare in courtroom throughout his trial? The judicial course of exists for exactly this cause—to look at claims and counterclaims below the scrutiny of proof. If such a damning accusation had any foundation, certainly his authorized workforce would have seized the chance to place it on file the place it issues most. As a substitute, he waited till after his launch to hawk his claims on social media.
Second, Gambaryan insists that Binance was unfairly focused and that he was wrongfully detained. If that is true, why did his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, flee from lawful custody? The choice to flee fairly than defend oneself in an open courtroom is an implicit request for forgiveness. If Binance’s dealings in Nigeria have been reputable, Anjarwalla would have had no cause to run. His escape raises critical doubts concerning the innocence Gambaryan claims.
Third, may it’s that Gambaryan is just bitter as a result of the Nigerian authorities, below Ribadu’s watch, ended Binance’s reign of economic manipulation within the nation? Nigeria had turn out to be a playground for illicit transactions facilitated by means of Binance, actions that might have been inconceivable in the US or different developed economies. His frustration seems to stem not from injustice however from the disruption of an operation that exploited regulatory loopholes in an rising market.
Fourth, would Gambaryan be sincere sufficient to confess that his launch had little to do with proving his innocence and every part to do with diplomatic strain from the Biden administration? It’s no secret that worldwide politics usually intervenes in high-profile circumstances involving international nationals. His newfound braveness to accuse Nigerian officers solely emerged after his return to the U.S.—an indication that he’s extra thinking about salvaging his personal picture than in exposing real wrongdoing.
Fifth, earlier than trying to smear Ribadu, did Gambaryan hassle to analysis the various documented circumstances the place the NSA has rejected bribes, together with the notorious $15 million provided by James Ibori throughout his tenure as EFCC chairman? Ribadu’s legacy is one in every of defying corruption at a time when doing so carried actual private threat. To recommend that he would now, on the peak of his profession, compromise that repute for a bribe defies each logic and historical past.
Sixth, does Gambaryan realise that his argument is a textbook instance of a straw man fallacy? Moderately than defending Binance’s monetary operations in Nigeria, he has chosen to shift the dialog by making baseless allegations towards those that held him accountable. It is a traditional tactic of somebody in want of redemption—however he has picked the fallacious goal.
Lastly, why is Gambaryan silent on Binance’s personal observe file of infractions, fines, and bans in a number of nations? If Nigeria’s actions towards Binance have been really unjustified, why have regulators within the U.S., Europe, and Asia taken comparable stances? His try to color Binance as a sufferer ignores the truth that the corporate has been embroiled in monetary crimes internationally.
Ultimately, Gambaryan’s allegations don’t maintain up below scrutiny. He has failed to offer proof, ignored inconvenient details, and relied on public sentiment fairly than authorized argument. Nigeria is correct to demand accountability from international corporations working inside its borders. And Ribadu, a person who has constructed his profession on transparency and integrity, deserves higher than to be the scapegoat for Binance’s misdeeds.
Awaal Gata a media practitioner and public affairs analyst, and writes from Abuja.
