Magu’s Probe, An Indication Of Buhari’s True Will To Tackle Corruption – Presidency

The Presidency says the ongoing investigation of the suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu is an indication of President Muhammadu Buhari “real and active” will to fight corruption in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Saturday.

Shehu explained that Magu’s probe followed a series of documented allegations levelled against the suspended Ag. Chairman and several other members of his staff, which further necessitated “a detailed investigation to be conducted”.

“Hence, an investigative panel was constituted in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body,” he said.

“As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.

“The EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual.

“Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.”

The presidential spokesperson acknowledged that there are “many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the wealth of our country isn’t plundered”.

However when “there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice”.

He added that the suspended EFCC boss is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him.

“This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the Laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty,” he said.

“We must realize that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.

“What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realize that they would be held to account.

“This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of Accountability and the recognition of the Rule of Law.”

Shehu further noted that those who view the investigation of Magu as an indication that the President has failed in his fight against corruption have “missed the boat”.

“There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system,” he said.

“Under this President and Government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.

“Mr. Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.

“No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.”

Magu is being investigated by a presidential probe panel headed by Ayo Salami, a retired president of the appeal court, over allegations of corruption, insubordination and abuse of office.

He was alleged to have misappropriated recovered loots by the commission and selling of seized assets to associates as well as refusing to subject himself to the supervision of the office of the attorney-general.

President Buhari Friday approved his suspension as the acting chairman of the anti-graft agency “to allow for unhindered inquiry by the Presidential Investigation Panel under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act and other relevant laws”, while also appointing the EFCC Director of Operations, Mohammed Umar, as his replacement, pending the conclusion of the investigation.

MERIDIAN SPY reported earlier the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu ordered the withdrawal of police security aides attached to his official and personal residence, while also redeploying the mobile police officers at the EFCC.