Following his summon by a presidential panel to answer some questions bordering on his integrity as the acting chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), there are speculations that the embattled anti-graft boss, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, may be on his way out of office.
Indications to this effect came to the fore Tuesday following disclosures by multiple sources who spoke on condition of anonymity on Magu’s travails.
For instance, a source within the Presidency said the ongoing probe of Magu was a confirmation of the fact that nobody is above the law under the present administration.
The top Presidency source said the interrogation of the chairman of the anti-graft agency was meant to give him the opportunity to clear himself of the weighty allegations against him.
Magu appeared before a presidential panel on corruption at the Presidential Villa Monday morning to clear his name over allegations bordering on corruption, insubordination and abuse of office.
The allegations were contained in a memo forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Although there were reports that Magu was arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS), the security outfit however said it never arrested him.
Also in a statement Monday, EFCC spokesperson, Mr. Dele Oyewale, denied Magu’s arrest.
The agency’s spokesman confirmed the EFCC chair was invited to the Presidential Villa to appear before a panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to review activities of the EFCC at the villa.
Notwithstanding, Blueprint gathered that “after grilling him for over four hours or thereabout, the panel directed that he be kept in police custody.”
It’s commitment to transparency
But speaking on condition of anonymity, the top presidency source said the investigation reinforced the present administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The source further said the investigation also showed the holder of an elevated office such as the EFCC chairman was not above the law.
“The panel investigating allegations against Ag. EFCC Chairman had been sitting for some weeks now. In consonance with the principle of fairness and justice, it was needful that the Ag. Chairman be given opportunity to respond to the allegations, which are weighty in nature.
“Under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, nobody is above scrutiny. Repeat: nobody. The investigation is to reinforce transparency and accountability, rather than to vitiate it.
“Accountability for our actions or inactions is inalienable part of democracy. In such elevated position as that of EFCC chairman, the holder of the position must be above suspicion.
“There’s no prejudgment. Absolutely none. The Buhari administration can be counted on to uphold fairness and justice at all times,” the source said.
Magu suspended
But another government source outside the presidency also told Blueprint that the EFCC boss “has been suspended from office to allow for thorough investigation of the allegations he is accused of.
“It is important he clears his name and to do that the government has no other choice than to ask to stay off the office for now. This will ensure transparency and fairness. These are just allegations and not judgement. It is just proper that he stays off his duty post pending when investigation is concluded.”
A couple of Nigerians who spoke across board believed the anti-graft boss may have as well ended his tenure.
“Given what has always being the practice when a public office holder is suspended under the Buhari administration, such official should consider him or herself gone.
“Yes there are few cases where there were reversals, but when one considers the force against Magu and the weight of the allegations, I am of the view that his probe and consequent suspension are just preludes to his exit,” said a civil servant who did not want to be mentioned.
Arrest arbitrary- SERAP
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned what it called the arbitrary arrest of the EFCC chair.
The group expressed concerns over the development and described his arrest as “the outcome of power-play at the highest levels of government.”
In a statement Tuesday by its Deputy Director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP said Magu should be given fair trial.
SERAP said: “The reported statement by a member of PACAC seems to suggest that Magu’s arrest may be politically motivated and aim to undermine the independence and freedom of action of the EFCC. If true, this would make a mockery of Buhari’s often-repeated commitment to fight grand corruption and the impunity of perpetrators, which is fuelling widespread and systemic corruption in the country.
“SERAP urges the authorities to afford Magu his constitutionally and internationally guaranteed fair trial rights. Magu must either be charged with a recognisable criminal offence or released immediately and allowed to do his job without fear of reprisals.
“Nigerian authorities cannot continue to keep Magu in detention under suspicious circumstances without bringing any legitimate charges against him in violation of national and international law.
“Nigerian authorities must support the independence and freedom of action of anti-corruption agencies and institutions if they are to be able to genuinely fight grand corruption, which has for many years turned public service for many into a kind of criminal enterprise.
“Nigerian authorities should focus on addressing the impact of corruption such as political violence, and denial of access for millions of Nigerians to even the most basic health and education services, as well as other patterns of human rights violations.
“Improving the independence of anti-corruption agencies and institutions is the most promising way to make tangible progress in the fight against corruption now and in the near future.
“Article 9(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party guarantee to everyone the right to liberty and security of person, and that no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.
“Similarly, Section 35(1) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) guarantees to every person the right to personal liberty and that no person should be arbitrarily deprived of such liberty.”
It’s political –Moghalu
In a similar reaction, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Kingsley Moghalu alleged political motives behind the EFCC chair’s arrest.
In a twitter Tuesday evening, Moghalu who was the presidential candidate of the Young Peoples’ Party (YPP) in the 2019 polls, said: “News of the suspension of EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu by President Buhari, and all the “factional” controversy surrounding him since his appointment, goes far beyond Magu.
“Our “fight” against corruption in Nigeria has been more of politics and power play.
“I take no position on whether or not Magu is guilty as alleged or not. But I think all the controversies indicate that control of EFCC is a “prize” that is being contested by powerful interests. This may be why we have not taken the real, PREVENTIVE measures necessary,” the ex-CBN chief said.
