Magu, victim of power play led by Malami - Presidential committee
In a statement
signed by a PACAC member Femi Odekunle, it was alleged that Ibrahim Magu is a
victim of power play spearheaded by the Attorney General of the federation and
Minister of justice, Abubakar Malami.
The Presidential
Committee also accused Malami of taking advantage of his closeness to the
president to lead an “onslaught” against Magu who resisted his demand of some
high profile case files.
The statement read;
“This is a
preliminary reaction of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption
(PACAC) to the alleged ‘arrest’ of Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman the Economic
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The real
information reaching us is that he was only invited to appear before a Panel
set up not long ago concerning some alleged memo by Malami, Attorney General
and Minister of justice, regarding some alleged malfeasance by Magu, along with
nominations for his replacement.
“The alleged
originating Malami memo, up to the current “arrest“ seems an outcome of
power-play by power blocs in the corridors of power in which Malami appears to
be an arrow-head or major agent of a power bloc that is not really interested
in, or in support of, Buhari’s anti-corruption fight.
“One can recall the
earlier non-confirmation experience of Magu by the 8th Assembly, orchestrated
by a power bloc and supported by the DSS ‘Security’ reports. One can also note
the non-resubmission of Magu for confirmation since May, 2019 despite the
apparent willingness of the 9th Assembly to consider it this time around.
“Again, we cannot
forget Malami’s demand of certain high profile case files from Magu which the
latter has been resisting. It may not be contestable that Malami has been
exploiting his alleged loyalty and closeness to the President for his
personal/power bloc agenda. For, to the best of PACAC’s knowledge and
observations, Malami has not manifested any genuine commitment to the
anti-corruption fight.”
PACAC who urged
President Buhari to wake up to the “ongoing shenanigans of power players that
are working from the inside against his anti-corruption fight”, also expressed
confidence in the “experience and dexterity” of Ibrahim Gambari, chief of staff
to the president, and the “demonstrated integrity of retired Justice
Salami" to help in the anti-corruption fight.
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