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Nigerian Senate Seeks to Sack Corruption Fighter

After a six-month delay, the Nigerian Senate has finally refused to confirm Mr Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It cited undisclosed security reports that were not favourable to Magu as a reason.

The Senate consequently requested President Muhammadu Buhari who nominated Magu to replace him instantly.

It, however, approved four other members of the board of the commission whose names were sent along with Magu’s.

The Senate’s decision has been interpreted as “corruption fighting back”. Many Nigerian senators are among the high-profile Nigerians under the EFCC’s investigation.

Magu was a foundation staffer of the EFCC and was feared even more than Nuhu Ribadu when the latter was EFCC chairman.

The president is likely to re-forward Magu’s name to the Senate. If the senators remain obstinate, Buhari may leave Magu on the seat as acting EFCC chairman indefinitely.

There are allegations that some of the president’s kitchen cabinet members were after Magu because he had carried the anti-corruption war to their doorsteps too. The chief of staff, Abba Kyari, and the secretary to the government of the federation, BD Lawal, have been accused of leading a campaign against Magu.

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