President Muhammadu Buhari, has finally handed over his Presidential power to determine the fate of the Acting Chairman of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, to Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo.
Recall, that the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was recently asked by President Buhari, to query Magu on allegations by the Senate, which stalled his confirmation by the Red Chambers.
Investigations, showed that while the AGF’s report on Magu was ready, the President insisted on due process.
It was learnt that the AGF, had attempted to submit the report directly, but was directed by President Buhari to route it through the Vice President.
Aside, it was also gathered that the President, wanted a second opinion, preferably from the Vice President, who is a Professor of Law.
A source familiar with the development said: “The President has directed the AGF, to send his report or advisory on Magu, to the Vice President for review.
“This is the position of things as I speak with you on the status of Magu. I cannot say exactly whether or not the AGF has submitted the report to Osinbajo.“This is a matter with many vested interests; some of who might have been the brains behind the rumours of the sack of Magu. The corrupt elements will never give up with their mischief.”
Meanwhile, an authoritative source, said that a friend of the President, Pastor Tunde Bakare, had met with him on the need to “resist forces of darkness”, by retaining Magu.
Others backing Magu are: the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, the Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume, a respected Governor, and some Ministers, (including those now called Buhari boys), who do not want their names in print for strategic reasons.
“The pro-Magu forces, led by Kingibe, are pulling the strings, by telling the President that Magu is a symbol of the success, which Buhari has achieved on anti-corruption war.“They said the alternative, is to return the nation to the looting era of the last administration.”
Asked of the position of the Vice President, the source added: “No one can say yet, but he is an anti-corruption activist. Go and check his antecedents.”
Meanwhile, some Senators have held a secret meeting in Dubai, to consider the pressure on them to have a rethink on their decision on Magu.
Some of those at the session were said to be “strategic” to the decision making in the Senate.
A Senate source said: “There has been pressure on the Senators, since a decision was taken not to consider the President’s request on Magu.
“Some Senators actually held a meeting in Dubai, on how to handle the aftermath of the Senate’s decision on Magu, including public opinion, and the implications on the unity of the Senate.“You know, the Senate is not totally united on Magu’s fate. Ndume and some Senators, have a different perspective on how the Senate ruled out the confirmation request on Magu.“Some Senators may join issues with Senate leadership on its last decision on Magu. Yet, preserving the unity of the Senate, is more paramount than any other thing.“Many influential Nigerians, have also intervened on behalf of the Acting EFCC Chairman. They are asking the Senate to revisit the confirmation whenever the President sends a fresh request.“We are all products of different Constituencies and Districts; we cannot be deaf to all these lobbyists,” the source said.
0 comments: