Magu’s screening as EFCC chairman was transparently done – Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the screening of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was transparently done.

Saraki said this while featuring on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the rejection of Magu was not premeditated.

He said Magu’s rejection was based on the report by the Department of State Services (DSS).

“I think there is a lot of misunderstanding and blackmail and all is not in the interest of democracy.

“The rejection of candidates presented to the National Assembly is a process. It is a process that is not restricted to the EFCC chairman.

“It is a process that has to do with the Governor of Central Bank, Director-General of Lottery Commission, Electricity Regulatory Commission and other relevant agencies.

“We have approved many people from the executive and we have rejected some and when we reject them, it is not for any personal reason, because it is a process.

“Magu’s screening was on a Wednesday when we air plenary `life’. That is to show you how transparent the Senate was on Magu’s confirmation.

[Read Also: I have stopped collecting pension in Kwara – Saraki]

“We screened him on a Wednesday so that all Nigerians can watch,’’ he said.

He said the upper chamber could not have disregarded the DSS report.

“This is about an institution; let us say you are screening the Governor of Central Bank and EFCC reports that the man lacks integrity and that he is not honest, will you just discard that.

“Even if you do, years later you are weakening that institution.

“We should stop talking about personalities. We should be focusing on how to strengthen our democracy.

“When some people have particular interest, they will try and bring this down to individuals. There is nothing personal on the personality of the acting Chairman of EFCC.

[Read Also: FG focusing more on loot recovery, instead of stopping corruption – Saraki]

“As an individual, I have had a personal experience with Magu, where he stood up for what is right.

“I remember during the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, where because we were fighting some of the issues then, some of us were sent to the EFCC.

“I remember I was sent to Magu’s office. They were trying to get him to investigate something of 10 years, 12 years ago; I remember Magu said nobody was going to use him,’’ he said.

He also dismissed allegations that Magu’s confirmation was stalled due to fears that some senators may be prosecuted.

According to him, some of the former governors already had cases before the courts.

One comment

  1. Saraki is a super comedian liar – Looters including SARAKI are scared of MAGU because of 2019.

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