The Presidency said on Saturday the ongoing investigation of the suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, for alleged financial malfeasance was further proof that the current administration’s anti-graft campaign was real and active.
In a statement titled: “Presidency’s statement on the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu” and signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the presidency, however, added that people who hold the belief that the ongoing investigation of the anti-graft czar was an indication of the government’s failing anti-corruption fight had missed the point.
The EFCC chairman’s probe, according to the presidency, showed that there were no sacred cows under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The statement was the presidency’s first reaction since Magu was arrested and brought before the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel for alleged corruption and insubordination on Monday.
Shehu said: “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.
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“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.”
The presidential aide revealed that several documented allegations were made against the EFCC chief, adding that a preliminary review of the allegations levelled against him necessitated the need for an investigative panel to be constituted in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.
He added: “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 had 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 an 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 realise 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.”
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