The
Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL has disagreed with the
Executive Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu who reportedly called
for the replacement of Ibrahim Magu, the acting Chairman of the Economic
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC due to the fact that the Senate has not
confirmed his nomination as substantive head of the anti-graft agency.
The
Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo
Adeniran said “the suggestion by the governor is definitely not the way
forward in the impasse that has been apparently sustained by the Senate’s over
Magu’s confirmation as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC. It is curious
hearing a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN comment on a matter that is already
before the Supreme Court for adjudication in the manner he has done.”
The
Ondo State Governor was reported to have called for Magu’s replacement over the
weekend on a radio programme, tagged ‘Political Circuit’, on Fresh F.M. Ibadan.
On the programme, Akeredolu said the country must not be allowed to grind to a
halt over the non-clearance Magu because “we have more than 1,001 people who
can be chairman of the EFCC”.
Adeniran
in clear disagreement with the governor’s position said “with all due respect
to the SAN, we do not think that the consciously Senate-generated impasse over
EFCC Chairmanship can grind the country to halt. That position is nothing
basically but sheer exaggeration of the situation.”
“It
is a reactionary suggestion and more of a subtle support for the side of the
Senate in the debacle. Stating that “we have more than 1,001 people who can be
chairman of the EFCC” is trying to find the easy way out and setting a very bad
precedent that will have catastrophic consequences on our National life in
future. And why does the governor prefer Magu to be replaced now that the
matter is before the Supreme Court rather than wait for the judicial
pronouncement?”
“The
truth is that should Magu be denied the well-deserved confirmation, hardly
would any credible person be ready to come forth for the position as similar
fate like will witnessing would await such a person. The
Senate has refused to confirm Magu because of his impressionable role as Acting
Chairman of EFCC; his boldness in confronting economic and financial crimes
regardless of whose ox is gored. Many members have one corruption case or the
other to contend with, including the Senate President himself. They know that
he will not give in to their antics of bribery and corruption. That is the crux
of the matter.”
“The background to the debacle is that the
Senate understands Magu’s salts deeply and the fact that he is worth it! The
Senate as presently constituted from the leadership to the rank and file
members, is peopled by deeply corrupt elements that deserve no space in such a
quintessential Arm of government in a democracy that it is fledging. Let
the truth be told!” Adeniran asserted
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