Presidency Gives Reasons for Magu’s Probe, Says EFCC Boss Not Above the Law

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The presidency has offered reasons for its decision to openly probe the allegations against the suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, despite the potential embarrassment the outcome could cause the government.

Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, said in a series of tweets this evening that the decision was consistent with the administration’s stand that none of its official is a sacred cow.

Shehu also said that the Nigerian constitution does not confer any form of immunity against arrest, investigation and prosecution on the office of EFCC chairman.

“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 tweeted.

The presidential spokesman faulted claims in some quarters that Magu’s arrest and ongoing probe have rubbished the administration’s anti-corruption credentials, noting that the development has instead vindicated President Buhari’s unbiased commitment to the fight against corruption.

Shehu wrote, “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.

“No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.”

Also justifying the President’s decision to relieve Magu of his position pending the outcome of the probe, Shehu further tweeted:

“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.

“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 & 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.”

Shehu further noted that the work of the panel, headed by retired Justice Ayo Salami, is following due process and Magu’s rights were not in any way violated.

“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 tweeted.

“We must realize 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,” Shehu added.

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