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Garba Shehu, spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity has suffered rebuke over comments he made, saying no other administration in the history of Nigeria would have brought allegations against Mr Ibrahim Magu, the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to light.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Segun Awosanya, popularly known as @segalink on Twitter, in series of tweets, lambasted the presidential aide, stressing that no sane administration would have appointed Magu in the first place, but that the Buhari’s administration went on to retain Magu despite the refusal of the Senate to confirm his appointment twice.
“You were warned since 2015 about the character yet the President forced him on the institution despite the refusal of the Senate to confirm his appointment twice. And now you spew the trash about “no admin in history…” what sane admin will appoint Magu in the first place?!
“For an admin that protects its own corrupt felons, Magu must have done the unthinkable that would have shamed the Govt, thus the need to ease him out of the system. This is not the first time reports had been sent to the Presidency about this character even by the DSS.
“Foolishness must never be the ink with which every statement you make is signed. This admin is the worst in the history of Nigeria in every level. For even assuming we are all daft, it goes to show how much you have buried the bar with which you measure others,” Awosanya tweeted.
Recall that Garba Shehu had earlier in a statement on the suspension of Magu took a swipe at past administration when he stated that no other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.
Garba Shehu also stated that those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.
The statement reads: “A series of documented allegations were made against the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following a preliminary review of the allegations leveled against the Ag. Chairman and several other members of his staff, there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted.
“Hence, an investigative panel was constituted 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.
“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.
“Meanwhile, Mr. 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.
“Those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, 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.
“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.
“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”.