Why Senate Rejected Magu As EFCC Chairman

It is no longer news that the Nigerian Senate rejected the confirmation of Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu as its substantive chairman. The reason why the senate deemed it right not to confirm his nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari after delaying it for months is explained below;

The Presidency requested the Senate to confirm Mr. Magu’s nomination in July through a letter signed by Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo in his capacity as the acting president when Mr. Buhari was away on a medical trip.

However, since the letter was read by Senate President Bukola Saraki on July 14, the Senate showed no readiness to

act on it until last week.

After failing to hold the confirmation hearing last week, the Senate said it would screen Mr. Magu today, Thursday.

But indications that Mr. Magu would face difficultiehat Mr. Magu would face difficulties emerged Thursday morning during a meeting of the Senate leadership ahead of the plenary.

There was disagreement over the mode of the screening. While some Senators were for an open screening of Mr. Magu at plenary, some were opposed to it, saying the EFCC nominees should rather be referred to the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption for screening.

Later, Dino Melaye and Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, exchanged insults openly.

Due to the disagreement, the Senate was little over an hour late to commence sitting. Then, the Senate dissolved into an executive session which lasted over one hour.

During the executive session, it was gathered that Mr. Magu was invited into the chamber and stayed for about 15 or 20 minutes.

The Senate relied on a damning security report reportedly obtained from the State Security Service.

According to the Senate President, the decision was based on a security report by Lawal Daura, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to a senior national assembly official, “the damning” report was addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President Bukola Saraki.

“The report is 16 pages and it is damning. It basically gives reasons why Magu is not fit to be EFCC chairman,” he said.

“The acting EFCC chairman is alleged to possess undeclared pieces of property. He is alleged to be corrupt, and a gross violator of human rights.”

The official concluded by saying “the senate cannot act outside the report”.

Mr. Magu declined to answer questions posed by journalists as he left the National Assembly.

He had come with associates and EFCC officials who all left disappointed.