Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Ibrahim Magu whose confirmation was again rejected by the Senate on
Wednesday has said that neither the Senate rejection nor report from the
Department of State Security (DSS) can stop him from continuing the fight
against corruption until his last day in office..
Magu also said he was doubted the authenticity of the report from the DSS
indicting him and accusing him of lacking integrity to head the anti
corruption agency.
Magu who addressed a coalition of civil society groups at the entrance to
the National Assembly after his screening said he will not be deterred by
the non-confirmation as the battle against corruption in the country is ‘a
fight to finish’ adding that reports from the Department of State Services
(DSS) cannot stop him.
He said the non confirmation has not changed anything, saying “my priority
is to fight corruption. My confirmation has not changed anything. We have
always been on duty I will work until the last day whether confirmation or
no confirmation.
“The greatest violation against human right is crime against the society
and the humanity but everybody has a duty and responsibility to fight
corruption and I also has a responsibility. I assure you that we will
fight to finish.
“We will never be deterred because what we are doing is trying to
investigate what has gone before and protect the future of our children
and our future generation. So, if we don’t work today and fight against
corruption, the future is not guaranteed, the future of our children is
not guaranteed.
“So, we must wake up, where ever you find yourself, fight corruption.
Anytime you discover that I am corrupt, expose me.”
Speaking on the allegations from the DSS, Magu said: “those allegations
can not stand the test of time because they can not be proven. You know,
you can’t just raise mere allegations without giving the person
opportunity to answer you. There is issue of fundamental human right and
the right of fair hearing is there.
“Up till this time, DSS has not called me and I am even surprised that the
same report is coming back and this time around it is signed by somebody.
I doubt the genuineness of that report. But I think we need to identify
those who have the interest of this country at heart.”
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Co-convener Citizen Action To Take Back
Nigeria (CATBAN) Ibrahim Garba Wala, said Nigerians and President
Muhamnadu Buhari believe in the nomination of Mr. Magu as the chairman of
EFCC, hence, the Senate have no choice.
Wala said their gathering to receive Magu was a part of activities to
create awareness among Nigerians so as to know the true position of what
was happening.
“We are here in solidarity with the man we feel is a right man for the job
and he should be confirmed, that is why we are here.”