₦airaland Forum

By Igwebuike Nwokoroigwe

If you are of the view that Ibrahim Magu is not the only person that can lead the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), you are not wrong.
Yet, the problem with that position at this moment of a national mass movement against corruption, is that you are perhaps, succumbing to a psychological attack from the Senate. Yes, you are most probably thinking exactly the way the wants you to think.

Make no mistake about it, what is happening in this 8th Senate over Magu is not about asserting the autonomy of the Senate as an independent arm of government. Yes, for there to be a virile democracy, there must be an independent legislature. So when a certain Senator Dino Melaye takes to the floor of the Senate to rehash and dramatize one of the reports of the Department of State Security (DSS) to damage Ibrahim Magu, the EFCC Acting Chairman, his raison detre is not propelled by any national interest; and when his boss, Saraki, drops the gavel to reject Ibrahim Magu’s confirmation, what is at play at best is self-preservation.

Even in the security of the Senate, many of these senators are so afraid of their own voices that they cannot contribute to any debate on the floor lest they give themselves away. And rightly so, some of these senators, including the President of the Senate, are already being prosecuted for one offence or the other.
Please, spare me that all too common cliché that you are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Bukola Saraki is standing trial at the Code of Conduct Bureau and his wife has been questioned in the past by the EFCC. Senator Danjuma Goje is standing trial for stealing his state’s money; Senator Godswill Akpabio, the minority leader, is under investigation and so are many others. So, can you see why this Senate will never confirm Magu?

Before we return to our National Assembly, it is proper to situate the context in which Ibrahim Magu has been doubly dealt an unkind hand and premeditated rejections by the Senate, who have found in the presidency some allies and fifth columnists. From the way the Magu matter has been handled, it does appear that there are many in the presidency who for their own selfish interests do not want Magu confirmed as EFCC boss against the wish of their boss, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Some of these presidential staff may have approached Magu for one favour in connection with one or two of their friends and relations in the EFCC net and met a brick wall in an uncompromising Magu. Some of them on their own are being investigated by Magu’s EFCC. While some others are angry simply because EFCC did nothing while the PDP “chopped” for sixteen years and now that it is their turn to “chop” small, a certain Magu and his EFCC, have woken up to become a wet blanket!

Have you bothered to ask yourself this question: why is that on the two occasions that Magu’s name was forwarded to the Senate, the letters were sent by the vice president, Professor Yemi Obasanjo, and on the two occasions, Buhari was out of the country?
Being an astute politician in the Nigerian perspective, Bukola Saraki was quick to notice these coinciding interests with some people in Buhari’s kitchen cabinet and moved in. Together with the DSS, he has formed a formidable alliance against the president’s choice of Magu. So twice has the presidency nominated Magu and twice the Senate relying on the DSS, has rejected the anti-corruption czar. Indeed, the second time around was more dramatic and damaging for the image of the president.

On that day, precisely on March 15, Magu stepped into what should be the hallowed chamber of the Senate for his confirmation hearing after receiving an abrupt invitation the day before. The atmosphere of the hearing was very hostile from the get-go. Senator Shehu Sani, one of the few respected voices in the Senate hinted on the conspiracy against Magu when he warned him to beware of the Ides of March.

Magu is not a fool; he already was aware that majority of the senators under the influence of the Senate President, ex-governors (some of who are sitting with him the Senate) and current state governors had perfected a plan not only to reject Magu, but also to insist that he be stopped from carrying out his job as Acting Chairman of the EFCC.

By attempting to revalidate a security report, which the president had acted upon, even if the DSS has no respect for its Commander-in-Chief, does the organisation also not respect administrative procedures? That’s what you get when a self-interested person or organisation blinded by envy, mischief and other negative emotions, pushes public interest to the back seat. I cannot claim to know what problems that the DSS has with Magu but whatever it is, it must be so serious that the DSS is willing to destroy the police officer’s career with a report laced with an unprofessional conclusion. Even then, it is quite unfathomable that an elite agency like the DSS can dare the President by reversing him twice as it did in the Magu matter!

Let those who are being led to believe that Magu is not the only Nigerian who can fight corruption be properly guided. There is something about this Magu guy that scares the Senate and the army of the corrupt.
This is the first time since the inception of the EFCC that Nigerian politicians, corrupt public servants and dubious business men and women are exhibiting genuine fears of stealing public funds. After all, Magu is not the first chairman of the EFCC. The politicians and rogue business people have always found their way around the former leaders of EFCC and thus evaded justice by manipulating the system. They are apparently not making any headway with this Magu of a man.

The way and manner Magu has been digging out millions of stolen dollars hidden safely away is worrying these politicians who perhaps have some heaps of money hidden away for the 2019 elections. The recent conviction of a former governor, a colleague of theirs, is also giving senators some nightmare knowing that something might be cooking for them. As far as this Senate is concerned, Magu is a no-go-area. That is why after rejecting him, they want to take over executive functions of deciding that Magu should hand over immediately at the EFCC.

The good thing though is that Nigerians can see through all the shenanigans of the Senate and are asking President Buhari to stick with Magu as a recent opinion poll conducted by a national daily and the views of civil society groups suggest.

Yet good people like Shehu Sani must be careful about their own reputation and decide whether to continue to take sides with the people even if it means taking a hit like Senator Ali Ndume.
Senator Ndume has been punished for sticking with the Nigerian people. Nigerians are equally taking notes. Ndume has made himself an attractive choice for the Senate Presidency going forward. Yes, when dust of the Ides of March settled, the winners were not those who conspired against their nation, but the Roman people who routed them.

And so shall it be for Nigerians on this Magu matter!

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/dialogue-with-my-country/understanding-the-phobia-for-magu/194633.html

The utility bill is the most useless part of it.
I pray we get there, when with a NIN (National Identity Number) we can open an account.

The police authorities said it was awaiting the approval of the president to recruit 30,000 personnel to boost the number of its workforce in line with the required world standard.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Logistics and Supply, Maigari Abbas Dikko, during a visit to Kebbi State made the submission when he paid Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu a courtesy visit.

He appealed to state governors and traditional rulers to assist the Force in vetting prospective candidates for recruitment from their respective states to guide against recruiting social misfits and other criminal minded individuals.

He added that given the security situation in the country the police force was cautious of the danger in recruiting people who have the tendencies to be loyal to Boko Haram or are of questionable characters.
He said the country at present was under policed because some of its 380,000 men and officers have died while some have retired.

“The Inspector General of Police has written to the president for approval to recruit about 30,000 into the police force and it would be on annual basis if we must meet world required number of police expected in a nation,” he said.

He said the police lack the required fund to carry out its duties and had to run to stakeholders most times for assistance.

He urged Governor Bagudu to help in lobbying for the passage of the Police Trust Fund, which is currently before the Senate.

In his response, Governor Bagudu said his administration was aware of the logistics problem of the police in Kebbi and would continue to support them in their efforts to maintain law and order in the state.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/crime/police-to-recruit-30-000-beg-govs-traditional-rulers-to-vet-candidates/194709.html

This administration and secret trial/investigation.
Dasuki, Nnamdi Kanu.
Leave it in the open na.
So its now they know corruption should be fought in a clandestine way?

Really HungerBAD.
It can make your betray your conscience.

Atouke:
Liyel got 2nd term because it was pdp in power.
In case you didnt notice APC is now the party to beat.

You don't know CRS, bad market doesn't sell. Again if they dislike your master, you're going no where. Was Liyel able to install any candidate?

Ayade and Liyel who better pass, but yet Liyel went for a second term. Ayade is going. Giddy Agbara with all his might and alliance with Vena & co. couldn't pull through. Giwa is experienced and connected, but its just not gonna happen.

memories1:
12th March...

Same date.

I was almost believing he committed the "f**cking" crime. Good of them to clear the air.

Mynd44:
https://www.nairaland.com/3756101/see-one-young-intellectuals-one

He's good. I believe his doctorate thesis prepared him for the job. Merit confirmed.

Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State on Friday said that the N6 billion discovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the accounts of a former public official were stolen from Niger State Government account.

Mr. Bello also provided some details of how the money was allegedly stolen.
The governor made this known to journalists after joining President Muhammadu Buhari and hundreds of other Muslim faithful to perform the Juma’at prayer, at the Aso Rock Mosque.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is considering declaring a former Commissioner of Local Government in Niger State, Kantigi Liman, wanted after a further N2 billion was traced to his United Bank for Africa account by the agency.

An EFCC insider told PREMIUM TIMES the discovery brings to N6 billion funds traced to accounts held by the politician and companies linked to him.
The commission had weeks earlier traced N4 billion to two accounts in GTBank, both linked to Mr. Liman.
The first account belongs to Sadiq Air Travel Agency Limited and the second to Mr. Liman Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC spokesman, said the money was discovered following a tip-off by a whistle-blower.

According to Mr. Bello, the funds are believed to have been siphoned by the suspects through inflated hajj subsidies offered by the state government to pilgrims within the periods he (suspect) served as the Chairman of the Niger State Pilgrims’ Agency.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/229271-ex-commissioner-stole-n6-billion-discovered-efcc-governor.html

sarrki:
Where are those hailers hailing This man

Just because of hatred they have for buhari

They can support the devil if he's against pmb

I told them this man is playing politics

Pmb is one and only sincere politician of our time

Was the North prepared to hand over to GEJ or was it circumstantial? The president was sick and died. He should choose his words carefully, this president have been reported severally to be sick as well.

walemoney007:
what a daft question by the op...are you expecting him to appear in church?

im sure if it was pmb that kneel in front on an alfa with bears like gej kneeled in front of a pastor,you go still dey cry

So you really mean you can't comprehend the post?

Hmmmm...

Why don't they ever make smart statements up there?
Always very lame and irritating. Even the smart ones that went there, including Ingige now talks absolutely nonsense most times and has nothing to show.

thesicilian:
And what is that?

A carnal or narrow mind won't understand. I'm not saying you, but some people make that mistake.

thesicilian:
CAN should just register as a political party, so that we all will be clear as to where they truly belong.

They represent something bigger than a political party.

He shouldn't be sacked, let him be left there to do the irreparable damage the former Gongola governor turn PDP chairman did.

Your thoughts, your struggle, your cross. Fill us in on his achievements first.

Why won't they be tensed.
Because they sense the public will still clamour for more scapegoats?
...or maybe for the fact that there is really a cabal in Aso Rock and a member has been taken out?

Ehen? Fear London o. He knows there are regulations no matter who. People wey give the US presidential convoy parking ticket.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2016485/Barack-Obama-fined-London-congestion-charge-Foreign-drivers-owe-50m.html

Jodha:
Yhu either give me a job as a business analyst or forgehrit

Eyah...and I don't have company.
Okay I have an idea. Just take this one, I trust you know what to do. Its the Golden Whistle. Use it wisely.

Sincerely, I pray a Nairalander is picked for any one of these positions. We may fight tooth and nail here, but still best wishes for your cause when its time.

Coming out bit by bit.
Clearly, the DG NIA didn't lie sha.
So is that why he had to cry?

morscino:
Mumu!...d new dg of NIA is a christian...a lot of ppl in dis country went to sch but are not educated.

You ppl believe every northerner is a hausa/fulani muslim.

FFK knows what ur sentiments are and he knows how dumb you lots are abt a lot of things,thereby propagating exactly what u want to hear/see.

Mehn... and just where did you get your education that have taught you so much hate?
You win public discourse with superior argument and not this.

I can mame that guy for this.
Really? Defamation of a world acclaimed legend & Icon of peace for attention or what?
There's no freedom of whatever here. He should be prosecuted.

They've left the troubles of this wicked world, though not how anyone would have wanted it. I pray they find eternal peace with Christ.
Amen.

Livebygrace:
What noticeable diffrence are the ones on ground making to better Nigeria, huh?

Hahahaha...
Okay, this is what we call an epic reply.

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for using his government to favor his northern kinsmen.

Fani, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, wondered why Buhari decided to appoint northerners as Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Acting Director General of National Intelligent Agency as well as MD of NEXIM Bank.
The former minister in a Facebook post, Friday morning, reiterated his earlier statement that Buhari was only rewarding Fulani herdsmen for butchering Nigerians.

He said, “Three major appointments were announced yesterday. Acting SGF, Acting DG NIA and MD NEXIM Bank. All three went to Hausa-Fulanis.
“Meanwhile a few days ago Buhari rewarded the Fulani militants and herdsmen for butchering Nigerians by appointing their official spokesman as the Secretary of the Federal Character Commission.”

http://dailypost.ng/2017/04/21/fani-kayode-blasts-buhari-giving-three-appointments-hausa-fulanis-one-day/

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has written to President Muhammadu Buhari, for approval to recruit 155,000 new policemen in the next five years.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Training and Development, DIG in charge of South-south, Mr. Emmanuel Inyang, said this on Thursday.

Addressing his men at the headquarters of the Bayelsa State Police Command, the DIG Inyang stated that the request was part of the measures to meet the United Nations standard for effective policing.
‘’We have written to the president to give us the power to recruit 31,000 police officers every year for the next five years. This is how we can achieve that standard.
“But at least, even if we cannot make the 31,000 personnel, at least, 10,000 or 15,000, we hope to get and with that, very soon we can meet the UN standards,’’ Inyang said.

He also said the police were aware that some personnel worked for up to 12 hours, stressing that the hours would be reduced to about eight hours to make policemen more effective in carrying out their duties.
Inyang said available statistics indicated that the crime rate in Bayelsa had reduced drastically.
He charged officers and men of the force to shun corruption and embrace President Muhammadu Buhari’s change mantra.
“The basic tenet of discipline must be upheld at all times and we have also asked the CPs and AIGs under my command to pay attention to visibility policing and operation safer highways to reduce crimes maximally,” he added.

Inyang added that the police hierarchy had instituted housing schemes for officers and men of the organisation, noting that the scheme was receiving serious attention from the police management team.
He assured officers and men that soon, houses would be built in all zonal headquarters and commands and sold to them at affordable prices.
Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Amba Asuquo, said the command in a bid to secure the state had established an effective community policing programme.

“The command has by this initiative maintained a low level of crime in the state. All entry and exit points are properly manned to ensure there is no infiltration of insurgent arms and other criminal elements into the state”.

http://dailypost.ng/2017/04/21/police-seeks-buharis-approval-recruit-155000-personnel/

Recoveries that cannot be accounted for?
Magu was asked by the senate how much have been recovered so far. He said and reiterated it that he doesn't know. Makes me ask, if your primarily function is to tackle corruption and recover loots, you have appeared to be successful in that, but yet don't know how much you've gotten so far. How can you confidently ask the senate for confirmation?
Now, based on figures here and there yet another one have come out to say we will be out of recession with the recovered money. It shows she has been driving the country based on no indices, no formula, no clear calculation.
Let me believe she didn't actually say that, but have been quoted out of context.
Damn...
But then again, I can't but agree that the recent N13 billion could be the IGR of 12 states put together.

Goddex:
Buhari's govt is whacked
The most confused govt in Africa.

So, now they are coming back to tell us NIA did brief both the current NSA and Buhari himself about the money

...and most Nigerian youths don't read and comprehend a write up or passage. I now see the use of GMAT for screening candidates in Nigeria for job.