A heated debate over the tenure of Ibrahim Magu’s as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has began.
According to report, a group of politicians and others who have felt the brunt of the aggressive anti-graft Chairman, are working for the termination of his tenure on November 11.
Magu who was appointed on November 11, 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to work in acting capacity with the eighth Senate having declined to clear him.
Though under him, the EFCC has recovered about N939.51billion in four years, according to a document obtained on the activities of the anti-graft agency.
About 1,636 convictions were also secured within the same period.
Ahead of November 11, 2019 when Magu ought to statutorily clock four years in office, the battle over his substantive status has become intense.
It was learnt that some forces are waiting for the midnight of November 11 to raise issues bordering on EFCC Establishment Act 2004.
Investigation revealed that there are about seven forces or groups against Magu’s confirmation.
They are some former and serving governors across parties; PDP and all its former political office holders either on trial or under investigation; some serving and retired military and security officers; some of those who are already working on 2023 project; those who are desperate to demystify Magu; some elements in EFCC and influential lawyers in the country.
In the last four years, Magu has only enjoyed tremendous confidence and support of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Magu twice survived plots to send him to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) in order to ease him out of the EFCC.
He also escaped another attempt to implicate him in a subversive plot against the government of President Buhari.
It was gathered that Magu’s saving grace was that when the key suspect in the subversion plot was brought out of detention facility, he did not even recognise Magu as he had never met him.
The latest move against Magu is to wait for November 11 to ask him to step aside until the President takes a final decision on his nomination.
It was learnt that a former chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and ex-Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum are in the forefront of the latest bid to stop Magu’s fresh nomination by the President.
But, counter groups, APC stalwarts, some legal giants and some highly-placed Nigerians have, however, opted for the retention of Magu, whose performance they rate very high.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Contrary to expectations of a smooth sail, the battle for Magu’s confirmation is still on.
“There is no doubt that Magu has redefined the anti-corruption war with huge recoveries from those who looted the treasury. His spectacular achievements accounted for the success story of Buhari’s war against graft.
“But, he ended up stepping on many toes, especially the bigwigs in the society who are desperate to stop his confirmation. A stern officer, Magu does not bow to political pressure and he treats all suspects with the same yardstick.
“Now that he is about to clock four years in office, these bigwigs who wield political clout are saying this is pay-back time. About seven forces are plotting against the re-nomination of the EFCC chairman.
“The reality is that former and serving governors, ex-ministers, ex- political office holders on trial, especially those in the opposition in PDP, and some elements in APC have drawn the battle line with the EFCC chairman because they detest Buhari’s anti-corruption war.
“Even, some EFCC officials are meeting with politicians against Magu because of his strict anti-corruption stance.
“What is delaying his renomination is sheer politics at the top.
A governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “Many of our colleagues do not want Magu because of his rigidity. He does not listen to anybody and once he begins a case, he does not consider all dimensions or perspectives to allegations.
“He is no doubt good, but he should always give suspects the benefit of the doubt. He needs to realise that he is operating in a political environment.
“Now, he needs to lobby politicians in power and in the National Assembly to be nominated again and get confirmed. His experience with the last 8th Senate will suffice.
“As for me, I have nothing against him and I will do my best to ensure his re-nomination.”
Some political office holder, interest groups, lawyers, NGOs are pushing for his retention based on merit.
It was gathered that an influential Northern governor is leading the lobbying group for Magu among power brokers and APC stakeholders.
A chieftain of the APC said: “Magu’s performance is the hallmark of our achievements in office. He needs a second chance in office. Some of us are sticking out our neck for Magu because he has done well.
“It is normal for those in the opposition to plot against Magu because he exposed their 16 years of waste. We know they will jubilate if Magu is dropped by the President.
“We are backing the reappointment of Magu. We appeal to the President to ignore any protest against Magu.”
As at press time, there was no signal on where the President headed on the fate of Magu.
“I think in the next few days, the President will take a decision in line with his constitutional responsibility,” a Presidency source added.
Sections 2 and 3 of the EFCC Act read: “The Chairman and members of the Commission other than ex-officio members shall be appointed by the President subject to the confirmation of the Senate.
“The Commission may make standing orders regulating its proceeding or those of any of its committees.
“The Chairman and members of the Commission other than ex-officio members, shall hold office for a period of four years and may be re-appointed for a further term of four years and no more.
“A member of the Commission may at any time be removed by the President for inability to discharge the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct or if the President is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the Commission or the interest of the public that the member should continue in office.”
A Legal Practitioner and Consultant Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) said: “Ibrahim Magu has performed excellently as Chairman of the EFCC. He is fearless, courageous and patriotic. He has left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
“His enigmatic style of leadership has repositioned the EFCC as a strong institution. He deserves to be reappointed for another term. The new Senate should have no difficulty in confirming his appointment.”
A Constitutional lawyer and a member of Honourable Society of Lincolns Inn, London, Barr. Daniel Bwala said: “He did very well. He has lived up to expectations and recorded landmark achievements that will stand the test of time.”
Post Views: 940
