President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday said the current investigation of the suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, should serve as an indication that days of corrupt public servants are numbered.
Buhari, in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, reiterated that there will be “no sacred cows” in his government, warning that for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.
“Under this President and Government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered,” Buhari said.
He said a series of documented allegations were made against the suspended acting chairman of the EFCC, adding that from “a preliminary review of the allegations levelled against the Ag. Chairman and several other members of his staff, there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted”.
The presidential panel headed by Ayo Salami was constituted by President Buhari in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.
“As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation,” he said.
Since Magu’s appearance before the panel on Monday, series of highly incriminating evidence have emerged from various sources that forced the Justice Salami panel to insist on his detention and suspension to allow unbridled investigations.
The president noted that the EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as ‘’such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual”.
“Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.
“The EFCC has many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the wealth of our country isn’t plundered and wherein there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice,” Buhari said.
The statement said Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him.
“This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the Laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty.
“We must realize that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.
“What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realize that they would be held to account. This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of Accountability and the recognition of the Rule of Law,” he said.
He berated those who see Magu’s investigation as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, adding that “they have unfortunately missed the boat”.
“There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.
“Mr. Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.
“No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation,” he said.
