Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay has described the Senate as a ‘confused’ assembly.

Sagay said this while reacting to the suspension of confirmation of appointees over a statement made by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

Osinbajo had reportedly said the President was empowered to make some appointments without seeking legislative approval as provided in Section 171 of the Constitution.

He was reportedly speaking about the refusal of the Senate to confirm Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the EFCC.

[Read Also: SENATE CONDEMNS OSINBAJO’S COMMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, ASKS HIM TO OBEY THE CONSTITUTION]

Sagay however said the senators wee afraid because their hands were not clean.

He said Magu was an executive appointee who could not be sacked by legislative pronouncement.

He said, “Those who have profited from the corruption that has ravaged this country for years are the ones the Senate is trying to please. Magu is an executive official appointed by the executive arm and he has powers under the EFCC Act, and clearly, the constitution gives the President the power to appoint him.

“The Senate cannot be both legislature and executive. They cannot determine who should be sacked or not. They can do that for their legislative aides but not for members of agencies under the executive branch.

“This is a confused Senate which does not know whether it is a legislative body or an executive body. It wants to be co-executive with the Presidency which is not possible.”

Azeez