The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) has reacted to report of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu appearing before a panel for questioning on Monday July 6.
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, while urging 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 Ayo Salami” to make sure that there is fairness and justice in the matter of Magu’s probe.