Skip to main content

PRESIDENCY STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF MR. IBRAHIM MAGU

 A series of documented allegations were made against the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following a preliminary review of the allegations leveled against the Ag. Chairman and several other members of his staff, there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted.
 
Hence, an investigative panel was constituted in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.
 
As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.
 
The EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual.

Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.
 
The EFCC has many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the wealth of our country isn’t plundered and wherein there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice.
 
Meanwhile, Mr. Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him. This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the Laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty.
 
We must realize that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.
 
What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realize that they would be held to account. This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of Accountability and the recognition of the Rule of Law.
 
Those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.
 
There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.
 
Under this President and Government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.
 
Mr. Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.
 
No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.
 
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 11, 2020

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

BOLA AHMED TINUBU - THE JAGABAN

By George Udom LOOK AT TINUBU's CABINET AS GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE Lai Mohammed, Chief of Staff from Kwara. Yemi Osinbajo, Attorney General from Ogun. Wale Edun, Finance Commissioner from Ogun. Dele Alake Commissioner for Information from Ekiti Rauf Aregbesola Commissioner for Works from Osun State. Ben Akabueze, Commissioner for Budget and Planning from Anambra State. Femi Lanlehin, SA from Oyo State. Aurthur Worrey Commissioner for Land from Delta State. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, third term Federal House of Representatives member, Representatiing Ikeja Federal Constituency - From Kogi State To name a few. For the eight years that he ruled Lagos, he hired several guys to work with him. Apart from using them to work in his government, he also groomed them politically. Twelve years down the line, see where those Tinubu guys are today - 1. Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN was Tinubu's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. He is today, Nigeria's Vice President. 2. Rauf Aregbe...

Musa Dala Mamman : A man to follow, a true progressive

"Of the five elements, none is always predominant; of the four seasons, none lasts forever; of the days, some are long and some short." Sun Tzu. There is time for everything, meet Musa Dala Mamman, M.Sc. ACA. CFA.  A philanthropist, born in Zambuk to his late father, Dala Mamman and mother, Mrs Salamatu Dala. He is married to Rahila Musa with four beautiful children. His wife is a pillar of strength and a God-fearing woman who gives back to society in her own way. Musa Dala works with the University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada where he has shown exemplary leadership in his department and the hospital at large. His gradual rise through the ranks in the hospital, in his over fifteen years of service has been somewhat momentous because of the mentor/mentee relationship he has maintained with other great minds in the course of his life. He holds a Master's degree in Financial Economics from University of Abuja, a degree in Economics from same University. A Chartered Account...