One of the yet to be resolved burdens of this Administration is Mallam Ibrahim Magu the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Magu a deputy commissioner of police was appointed to head the anti-corruption organisation in December 2015 after Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, the erstwhile head of EFCC was removed.

However a series of issues have trailed Magu’s tenure as chairman of the EFCC Chairman consistently that any administration concerned about its image would have taken action and salvaged what is left of Magu’s reputation. He is, after-all, the man running one of Nigeria’s most sensitive organizations.

The Presidency few months after his appointment sent a letter to the National Assembly for his confirmation. The letter was not acted upon until the senate was good and ready for it. When they Senate did deliberate on President Buhari’s recommendation, the senate rejected his nomination on the basis of an unfavorable DSS report.

The Department of State Services made some allegations against the EFCC Chairman which should have warranted him being replaced but the Presidency renominated him and he was for a second time rejected courtesy of another DSS report.

Some of the allegations raised against him are issues that borders on morality which is a stain on his position. For example, the DSS stated that as EFCC Chairman he once flew first class to Hajj in contravention of the President directive against such. Also, his official accommodation cost the FCTA over 40 Million Naira and was furnished by a man facing anti-corruption charges from the EFCC.

Also, there was the indictment of Ibrahim Magu by the Police service Commission which recommend him for severe reprimand under the leadership of DIG (Rtd) Parry Osayande after a disciplinary process and awarded Severe Reprimand for “Action prejudicial to state security, Withholding of EFFC files, Sabotage, Unauthorized removal of EFCC files and Acts unbecoming of a Police Officer”

However in defiance of this, the federal government has resolved to keep Magu in office. The latest imbroglio as it relates to the payment status of the #Ikoyigate whistle blower which has turned out to be false has embarrassed the Presidency and should be the straw that breaks the back of Magu’s camel.

It’s time to let Magu go.

Editor