The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim
Magu, on Wednesday, said that more influential Nigerians would soon be
arrested to face prosecution as the EFCC under him has reinvigorated the
fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Magu, who made the disclosure during a forum with online and
broadcast media managers, in Abuja, said since his appointment as acting
chairman of the EFCC, he had undertaken the re-ordering of the agency’s
priorities for effective implementation of its mandate.
According to him, “The effect of this, which is obvious for all to
see, is the investigation, arrest and prosecution of some of the most
powerful forces in Nigeria, who have questions to answer on their
stewardship whilst in office.
“A former National Security Adviser, former ministers, former
governors, serving and retired military men, a media mogul and several
others, are among those we have called to answer critical questions
concerning the management of our commonwealth.
“As we speak, many more influential Nigerians are on the radar of the
EFCC and, in the coming weeks, they would have their days in court and
Nigerians will be kept fully abreast of the results of our
investigations.”
The EFCC boss said in carrying out the mandate of the commission, he
has been guided by the “fear of God, national interest and the rule of
law”.
Mr. Magu said apart from bringing corrupt public officers to justice,
the EFCC under his leadership is determined, in line with the stance of
the current administration under President Muhammadu Buhari to send
“unmistakable message” to everyone, that no Nigerian shall be regarded
as above the law or treated as sacred cow as far as the fight against
corruption is concerned.
The EFCC chairman, however, said the commission cannot succeed in carrying out its mandate without the support of the media.
He said the EFCC already has the support of all relevant bodies and organizations.
He said he held a meeting with the president on Wednesday, and that
the message from Mr. Buhari was nothing but total support for the
agency.
“By far more inspirational is the political will of Mr. President to
fight corruption. This unbending will, which some now call body language
has given the needed traction to the anti-graft campaign,” he said.
Mr. Magu said Mr. Buhari’s resolve to fight corruption in Nigeria was
underlined by his comments during his maiden media chat last Wednesday
where he swore not to spare anyone found to be corrupt.
Mr. Magu quoted the president as saying, “I don’t …tolerate
corruption. When I was Head of State, I didn’t put anybody above the
law. At this time, I assure you, I will not put anybody above the law…
If anyone is caught, I will not only sack (him or her) but will ensure
that the case is taken to court”.
He added that the president’s resolve is complemented by that of the
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, who, during the last All
Nigerian Judges’ Conference, declared unwavering support for the war on
corruption.
He added that at that same judges conference, Mr. Buhari expressed
the concern of the Nigerian people for the undue delays experienced in
the trial of corruption suspects.
The judiciary, he said, has responded with some practical steps in
the form of the designation of selected courts to try EFCC cases and
some practice directions.
“We believe that when holistically and effectively put into practice,
the measures would drastically cut the time corruption cases spend in
court before Nigerians know whether the accused is guilty as charged or
innocent of the crime.
“As a Commission, the EFCC is very determined to put into productive
effect, the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,
(ACJA), 2015. This law, which has been rightly labeled a legal
“revolution,” by none other than Professor Itse Sagay, chairman of the
Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, could not have come
at a better time than now, when Nigerians are yearning for justice.
“On the part of the EFCC, I can assure you that the effect of our
even more penetrating investigations and commitment to rid Nigeria of
all forms of corruption and economic and financial crimes can –and will
continue to be– seen from the cases we take to court for trial,” he
said.
No political witch hunt
Mr. Magu also responded to comments from participants at the forum that a lot of Nigerians have a feeling that the ongoing war against corruption appears targeted at members of the opposition.
He said by his orientation, he has nothing to with politics and is therefore, not doing the bidding of a political party.
“Such accusations have come up a lot, but, we work with petitions before us, in fact, I am eager and waiting for something from the other side, but nothing has come so far,” he said.
Mr. Magu also said he had never been a fan of plea bargaining, adding however that he works within the laws of the land.
The managing editor of PREMIUM TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed, who spoke on behalf of the President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Malachy Agbo, said the group is fully committed to the ongoing fight against corruption and pledged the support of members to the EFCC.
He also asked Mr. Magu to consider partnering with the group in training journalists.
Mr. Magu also responded to comments from participants at the forum that a lot of Nigerians have a feeling that the ongoing war against corruption appears targeted at members of the opposition.
He said by his orientation, he has nothing to with politics and is therefore, not doing the bidding of a political party.
“Such accusations have come up a lot, but, we work with petitions before us, in fact, I am eager and waiting for something from the other side, but nothing has come so far,” he said.
Mr. Magu also said he had never been a fan of plea bargaining, adding however that he works within the laws of the land.
The managing editor of PREMIUM TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed, who spoke on behalf of the President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Malachy Agbo, said the group is fully committed to the ongoing fight against corruption and pledged the support of members to the EFCC.
He also asked Mr. Magu to consider partnering with the group in training journalists.
EFCC’ll arrest more influential Nigerians soon — MAGU
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