On the front pages of major Nigerian dailies is President Muhammadu Buhari insisting that Ibrahim Magu be confirmed as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and outrage over pensions for ex-governors and their deputies.
The Guardian reports that President Buhari has asked the Senate to reconsider its rejection of Magu as EFCC chairman and their stand on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal.
Report has it that the president discussed the matter with the Senate President Bukola Saraki during their informal meetings.
If Magu is confirmed by the Senate and the stand on Babachir is reviewed, Buhari’s war against corruption may face credibility problems since the allegations against the duo have not been adequately addressed.
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator from the South South said the dirty revelations that had been brought to light about Magu by the DSS were enough to make Buhari look for another person to replace him.
The senator added that no propaganda would convince Nigerians and even the international community to have confidence in Magu again.
The Nation reports that a source disclosed that Buhari sent a letter to the Senate to renominate Magu based on the fact that there was no evidence linking him to any act of corruption or infractions.
It was learnt that the president decided to reappoint Magu after a personal interaction with him about one and half weeks ago on Malami’s report.
A source said that some members of the kitchen cabinet and associates of Buhari insisted on Magu because his performance so far has defined the main achievement of this administration.
Among those who influenced the president’s decision were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Amb. Babagana Kingibe; elder statesman Mamman Daura; Prof. Itse Sagay; National Security Adviser Gen. Babagana Moguno; a former Inspector-General of Police; Amb. Maina Waziri; Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state, Aisha Buhari and members of the presidential advisory committee against corruption.
Also, Magu’s assessment and acceptance by some countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, influenced Buhari’s decision.
“Contrary to what is being insinuated, the President consulted widely with his advisory council against corruption and he upheld the argument of members of PACAC that Magu deserves to come back,” a source said.
However, the special assistant to the president on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Ita Enang, said he was not aware of any discussion on Magu.
The Punch reports that human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), said Buhari’s renomination of Magu was in order because he was not treated fairly as they gave him no opportunity to defend the allegations levelled against him.
Also speaking, the Sagay said the president was right to send Magu’s name back to the Senate for confirmation.
A second republic member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, said the controversy surrounding the confirmation of Magu was an unnecessary distraction.
He said the sag exposed the level of “incompetence” which exists at the highest levels of government.
However, the executive director of Civil Liberties Organisation, Ibuchukwu Ezike, faulted Buhari for re-presenting Magu to the Senate.
According to him, it showed that the government was not sincere with its anti-corruption fight.
In other news, Nigerians are angry over the payment of pension to former governors who are now senators and ministers as they are drawing double salaries, Vanguard reports.
No fewer than 21 former governors or deputy governors now serve either as senators or ministers with some of them drawing normal salaries and allowances in their new political offices and also receiving pension.
Some who served earlier in the civil service or the military are even drawing a double pension while at the same time drawing salaries as political appointees.
Emeka Etiaba (SAN) said it was morally wrong for the ex-governors and their deputies to be receiving pension and salary at the same time. According to him, it was like one eating his cake and having it.
He said they should not be entitled to pension during their stay at the National Assembly or any other public office.
Another lawyer, Emmanuel Rukari, accused the beneficiaries of being insensitive, saying it was morally unjust because it amounts to cutting from two edges.
360naze
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