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.”
(The Nation)
