August 14, 2017
PRESS RELEASE
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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