Suspension of Nigeria’s anti-corruption chief proves government’s commitment to fighting graft: Presidential spokesman
The suspension of the head of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency is proof of the government’s commitment to ridding the country of corruption, according to presidential spokesman Garba Shehu.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday approved the suspension of Ibrahim Magu as acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission “in order to allow for unhindered inquiry by the Presidential Investigation Panel.”
In response to the action, Buhari’s spokesman Shehu said the administration has shown that no one was above the law in the fight against graft.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
In a series of tweets posted on his personal account on Saturday, Shehu noted that the current administration had proven it was true to the cause, and that “no other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.”
Magu is being investigated following allegations made by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
They include the “alleged sale of seized assets to cronies, associates and friends.” Magu denies the allegations.
Nigeria’s government set up the EFCC in 2003 in response to widespread official corruption in Africa’s most populous country.
(With input from AP)
