The rejection of the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday by the
Senate on the basis of a security report compiled by the State Security
Service is the height of official ridicule of the office of the
President. It is high time the State Security Service was restrained by
President Buhari from sabotaging the fight against corruption by the
federal government
With respect to the Senate the confirmation
hearing hurriedly conducted yesterday, was illegal in every material
particular. The participation of many senators who are either under
investigation or being prosecuted by the EFCC has vitiated the entire
proceedings of the Senate on ground of conflict of interest. It is also a
contravention of the Rules of the Senate which stipulates that matters
which are sub judice shall not be discussed by the Senate.
However,
notwithstanding the rejection of the nomination of Mr. Magu by the
Senate the options open to President are clear and straight forward.
They are as follows:
1. Mr. Magu’s nomination may be re-presented to the Senate if and when the Federal Government decides to put its house in order
2.
Alternatively, the President may allow Mr. Magu to remain the Acting
Chairman of the EFCC since he was appointed in that capacity pursuant to
section 171 of the Constitution.
3. But if the President is not
satisfied with Mr. Magu’s performance he is at liberty to appoint
another person whose nomination will be forwarded to the Senate in
accordance with section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act, 2004.
In the light
of the foregoing, President Buhari is enjoined to ensure that the fight
against corruption is not derailed by highly placed corrupt elements who
have enlisted the support of fifth columnists and reactionary forces in
the government.
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