An advocacy group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned UN Special Rapporteur, Michel Forst over what it termed “intimidation and harassment” of acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.
In the petition dated December 16, and signed by its executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP accused the lawmakers of violating Magu’s rights.
The petition read, “The senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria apparently working with other agencies of government to use a purported security report the senate knew or ought to know is baseless and politically motivated to reject Mr Magu’s confirmation as substantive chairman of the EFCC.
“By relying on a report they knew or ought to know is baseless and politically motivated to reject Mr Magu’s appointment as chairman of the EFCC, the senate of Nigeria has flagrantly violated his right to fair hearing, and is implicitly working to weaken, intimidate, harass and ultimately undermine the independence and freedom of action of the EFCC in its efforts to combat high-profile official corruption.
“SERAP believes that the action by the Senate of Nigeria and other agencies of government apparently working with them undermines and violates Nigeria’s international obligation to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the human rights of the citizens, which inevitably creates a duty for the government to establish efficient and independent anti-corruption mechanisms.”
SERAP urged Forst to “urgently intervene in this matter to stop further intimidation and harassment of a prominent anti-corruption campaigner and human rights defender”.
“Apart from the fact that the allegations against Mr. Magu are baseless and politically motivated, the Senate of Nigeria flagrantly denied him constitutionally and internationally guaranteed the right to a fair hearing by not providing him with an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him,” the petition read.
“The senate confirmation hearing, therefore, amounts to a nullification, or destruction of the very essence of the fundamental principles of a fair hearing.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria relying on a baseless and politically motivated report declined to confirm the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the country’s leading anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Senate claimed that its action was based on a purported security report forwarded to it by the State Security Service.”
