Another Blow Hits Presidency as Senate Rejects Magu as EFCC Boss

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, December 15th, 2016

Ayodele AfolabI, Abuja

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – After about six months of tactical delay, the Senate has rejected the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

President Muhammadu Buhari had about six months ago forwarded Magu’s name to the Senate for confirmation as EFCC chairman through a letter read on the floor of the upper chamber.

This was even as the Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) and Dino Melaye (APC Kogi West) came close to exchanging punches over the matter.

But while nominations of other nominees like Nda Sule Moses, Lawan Mamman, Galandanci Imam and Adeleke Rafiu were referred to committee on anti-corruption for consideration that of Magu was rejected.

In a press statement read at the end of the two and half hours closed door session held over the issue, the spokesman of the Senate; Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said the rejection of Magu was based on security report.

The statement reads: “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that based on security reports available to the Senate, the Senate cannot proceed and confirm the nomination of Ibrahim Magu Mustapha as the Executive Chairman of EFCC.

“Accordingly, the Senate hereby rejects the said nomination and has returned the said nomination to Mr. President for further act”.

A position repeated by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki when he put questions to senators on what transpired at the closed door session.

Ndume and Melaye had before the senate’s official position over the confirmation, had heated arguments for and against Magu’s confirmation at the office of the Senate President.

While Ndume is in support of the confirmation of Magu, Melaye vehemently opposed it.

The altercation between the two Senators lazed with uncomplimentary utterances against each later spilled over to the entrance of the Senate chamber to the amazement of onlookers.