Majority leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume has insisted that the upper chamber has not rejected the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ndume on Wednesday said the Senate only decided to withhold Magu’s nominated until President Muhammadu Buhari makes a decision on the security report by the DSS.

According to him, the rejection of Magu was “brought in” after the collective decision of the lawmakers.

He said, “My position on Magu is clear and I stand by it. Magu has not been rejected.

“Check our Votes and Proceedings (of Thursday); it is clear and concise. The Senate President, (Dr. Bukola Saraki), while reporting the progress of the executive session, said, ‘following the security report on Magu, the Senate decided not to confirm Magu and communicate the same to Mr. President, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.’

“That was our position and the Senate President aptly reported the progress of the executive session. So, I wonder how and where rejection was brought in. We have not rejected him because that cannot be done in a closed session and the confirmation processes have not taken place.”

However, Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sabi Abdullahi in a statement read shortly after the closed door session said Magu was “rejected” by the Senate.

The statement read, “This is an official statement from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is the statement on the confirmation of the nomination of the chairman and members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“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 the EFCC.

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

Azeez