Presidency Breaks Silence On Magu’s Suspension, Says No Sacred Cows In Anti-Corruption War

The presidency on Saturday spoke for the first time on why the acting Chairman of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, was suspended and under investigation.

Magu is facing a presidential probe panel headed by former Justice Ayo Salami, investigating him on allegations that borders on re-looting of recovered loots, mismanagement of recovered assets and abuse of office.

Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement on Saturday said the investigative panel was set up to probe Magu following series of allegations against the suspended EFCC chairman.

He said, “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.

Shehu said suspending Magu was proper for transparent and unhindered investigation to be carried out, adding that Magu’s suspension would not affect the operation an activities of the anti-graft agency.

“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”, he said.

He added that investigating Magu was an evidence of the Buhari-led government’s commitment to the anti-corruption war and that there were no sacred cows in the war against corruption.

“What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realise 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,” Shehu said.