Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) Acting Chairman Ibrahim Mustafa Magu
Ahead of May 29 exit date, some governors, ministers, and
senators are pushing for the removal of the Acting Chairman of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim
Magu.
They are mounting pressure on some Presidency officials to
prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to “ease out” Magu.
It was learnt that many governors are jittery about Magu’s
retention, following the clinical investigation of the outgoing
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.
This is the third time in two years that attempt has been made
to give Magu the push from office by some politicians who are
opposed to Buhari administration’s anti-corruption campaign.
There was a plot in January to send Magu on a course at the
National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) on or
before the conclusion of the general elections.
The latest move is to sack Magu on or before May 29 when some of
the governors would have completed their eight-year tenure.
A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said
those who wanted Magu out had been alleging that the EFCC
chairman’s stay might not assist the interest of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.
The source said: “The arrowheads, including outgoing governors,
have begun smear campaigns to poison the minds of Buhari, Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo and the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari,
against Magu.
“They are said to be relying on three bogus/ fake reports
against Magu allegedly submitted to the Presidency by an unknown
government agency.
“They are also alleging lack of loyalty against Magu, claiming
that he is working against APC’s interest from now till 2023.
“They cite how EFCC’s probe led to Onnoghen’s sudden
resignation. They allege that Magu can go to any length to expose
them, especially the outgoing governors, when they leave
office.
“They are of the opinion that since they have skeletons in their
cupboards, Magu can prosecute them once he is still in office.
“The promoters of the plot have co-opted politically exposed
persons in the APC and the PDP.”
It was learnt that some Senators have also teamed up with
aggrieved political office holders on the anti-Magu campaign.
The source added: “Some senators are jittery over possible
confirmation of Magu after May 29, as they are afraid that he may
go after them once they lose their privileged positions.
“They are aware that there are pending investigations against
them, including over N1trillion unexecuted constituency projects.
Magu is uncompromising in this regard.”