Despite calls from a section of people across the country for the removal of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, it has been revealed that the EFCC boss will not be removed. The revelations come after series of investigations by The Reflector Newspaper who was able to uncover the reasons why the Federal Government under the leadership of acting President Yemi Osinbajo has refused to yield to calls of notable Nigerians for the sacking of the Borno State born anti-graft czar.
Despite the fact Ibrahim Magu has stepped on many big toes including the Senate President, Mr Bukola Saraki who was dragged to Code of Conduct Tribunal for offences bothering on non-declaration of assets during the later period as the governor of Kwara state, the unprofessional management of high profile cases that has led to the losses of some of these cases in court of law, Magu, as fondly called remain in the saddle of Nigeria’s anti-corruption crusade.
Should Magu continue to head EFCC? To those who are close to the commission, nothing tangible will be achieved as far as he remains the head of the commission. Insiders from EFCC, who prefer anonymity told The Reflector that Magu is definitely unfit the lead EFCC. “Oga is not fit to lead EFCC, he knows nothing about the operation of the body and till today, he hasn’t gained anything to warrant him the leadership of such sensitive organisation.
“The source said that, “as at now EFCC need someone who is in-house personnel to lead the commission. Using of Police to lead EFCC since its inception has brought disaster most especially with Magu who drafted in policemen to work as operatives in EFCC, we all know what our police stand for, that is why you see us losing cases and I am afraid, we will continue to lose more.
Another source from Presidency alleged that irrespective of what anyone may be saying about the acting EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu remain and will continue to head the commission. Speaking further, the source said, “The man you are talking about has the support of great politicians across the country. Who is Osinbajo to talk about removing Magu? What can him (Osinbajo) do, nothing, his hands are tight. I want to tell you, aside from what Osinbajo told the Press about retaining Magu, the fact is that he can’t do anything to him.
“Magu has nothing, I mean no relationship with Osinbajo but with a particular member of President Buhari’s cabal member who incidentally comes from the same state as Magu. This man is the brain behind Magu’s continued stay in office, mark my words, Magu is going nowhere except President Buhari decided otherwise which I don’t see happening now.
Our checks revealed that Magu also has a special link with a powerful politician from the South West of Nigeria who Osinbajo himself respect. Another source in the EFCC told this Newspaper that this politician has asked for retention of Magu to probably cover him up since it was believed that he was also corrupt.
“There is a powerful politician from South-West who is highly respected by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and even baba himself will not underrate him, baba take advice from him and since he believed in him, I am doubt, we need to stay with Magu as EFCC boss till 2019 may be when the “PDP comes to power, we may expect changes”
Our checks revealed that Osinbajo himself agreed that Magu is not fit for the job, On the announcement of the $43m discovered from a flat in Ikoyi, acting President Osinbajo was said to have summoned a meeting with the EFCC boss and another senior professional within the organisation. “Magu’s composure was poor and apparently lacks the basic understanding of the operation he ordered.”
With the help of a senior officer of the commission who had followed the EFCC boss to the meeting, Magu was “bailed” out. But Osinbajo knows that something was wrong.
Why the acting President very reluctant in showing Magu the way out? It seems the work of firing Magu is beyond Osinbajo and even if President Buhari acts same way, his administration should be ready for big challenge.
