Statement On The Nomination Rejection of “Corrupt” EFCC Acting Chairman

Embargo: Immediate release

Date: 15/03/2017

Today, the Senate unanimously rejected the nomination of Ibrahim Mustafa Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC after the Department for State Security, DSS reaffirmed the allegations of corruption against him.

Exactly three months ago, lawmakers had rejected Mr Magu based on the security report from the Department of State Security.

It should be noted that the security agency that wrote the report which earned Mr Magu the shameful reputation of being the first EFCC chairman to be rejected by the Senate have previously been applauded by world leaders such as former US President, Barack Obama.

In its report, the DSS stated that Mr Magu would be a liability to the fight against corruption. Not only did the report indict Mr Magu, it also corroborates allegations brought against him by EFCC workers.

Having gathered first hand evidence of Mr Magu’s atrocities, I was able to enlighten Nigerians through reports on DENISAURUS News – denisaurus.com

In an investigation that spanned for about a year, Nigerians could see through the Psy Ops deployed by Mr Magu who today, failed to defend his atrocities.

For example in a leaked tape published by DENISAURUS News, Mr Magu can be heard speaking to Ibanga Akpabio, the younger brother of the former Akwa Ibom State Governor and current Senate’s Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, discussing how to scuttle a case.

Last year, Mr Magu, having failed to shut this media down, tried to keep us quiet by arresting a popular publisher, Abubakar Abusidiqu Usman, who published a story I wrote on August 2, 2016.

During today’s hearing at the Senate, Mr Magu claimed he was not given fair hearing by the DSS, but Nigerians must not be deceived, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the Attorney-General of Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN to investigate the matter.

Subsequently, the AGF gave Mr Magu opportunity to answer the allegations levelled against him through a letter sent to the nominee.

Today, although Mr Magu was not confirmed, the legislature acting independent of the executive carried out its role under section 147 of the 1999 Constitution adequately.

The decision of the Senate to reject the confirmation of Mr Magu as EFCC Chairman based on the indicting DSS report is a welcomed decision and its best for the executive to present a new and better qualified candidate if its fight against corruption is to be taken seriously.

Adenike Lucas