EFCC: ‘Replace Magu with credible candidate’ Senate tells Buhari

The Senate, through its spokesperson Sabi Abdullahi (APC, Niger), has said that the red chamber has been vindicated in the ongoing controversy concerning the continued stay of Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), despite their rejection of his nomination.

Senator Sabi, who spoke at a press briefing on yesterday, cited a recent judgment by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja where it was confirmed that the Senate has the power to confirm or reject a nomination from the President.

Following a suit filed by a private citizen named Oluwatosin Ojaomo challenging the rejection of Magu by the Senate, the court ruled saying: “The Senate is thus conferred with authority to ensure the choice of only suitable and credible persons for appointment to that office. The submission of the Plaintiff, however, gives the impression that the Senate only exists to rubber-stamp the President’s appointment of a Chairman.”

Sabi praised the judgment in light of comments made by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who had allegedly questioned the constitutional authority of the upper chamber to confirm nominations by the Executive. The stance of the Acting President at the time led to the halting of confirmation of nominees by the Senate till date.

He concluded by urging the President to “do the needful,” and present another credible candidate from the millions of qualified Nigerians.

“We hope our amiable president will find this judgment in order and provide another nominee to carry on with the good work of anti-corruption,” Sabi said.