Allow me a space on your platform to comment on a story I saw published by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on its Facebook page.
In the story, titled “Bawa scales Senate hurdle, states vision for the EFCC’ one thing that caught my attention was the reference to Abdulrasheed Bawa as the fourth executive chairman of the anti-graft agency
Read Also: EFCC will be more transparent, accountable, Bawa says
This suggests that Abdulrasheed Bawa is only coming after Nuhu Ribadu (the pioneer chairman), Farida Waziri, and Ibrahim Lamorde.
Magu’s stewardship, which made him the longest serving boss of the EFCC albeit in acting capacity, was not recognised by the same commission he headed. If this is the case, then it raises so many issues.
It is a fact that Magu has made his story as the first man to be nominated twice for the EFCC top job and rejected twice. Magu spent more than five years acting in a position with four-year tenure.
Indeed, when in December 2016, the Bukola Saraki-led Senate refused to confirm Magu as EFCC boss after ‘abandoning’ the matter for close to six months, the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption (PACAC) Professor Itse Sagay was understandably angry.
Sagay said at the time that “whether they (Senate) like it or not, he (Magu) will be there. His chairmanship will keep on being renewed.
“Since Nuhu Ribadu left, we have not had a man with such sterling qualities as Ibrahim Magu and whether they like it or not, Magu will be there until he completes his term under the law.”
Many were not happy with the way Magu was booted out of office. His supporters actually said it was corruption fighting back when he was arrested and made to face a panel in the presidency.
Non-confirmation did not stop Magu from discharging the functions of his office. But it is certainly threatening his legacy.
For instance, will a portrait of Magu find accommodation among those of Ribadu, Waziri and Lamorde? Or will all the years he spent as EFCC boss be consigned to the dustbin of history, despite the length of service he put in?
Garba
*Lawal writes from Keffi, Nasarawa State
