EFCC attacks Saraki for claiming Magu begged him for confirmation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reacted to comments by former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, against the commission.

EFCC spokesman, Tony Orillade, in a statement Sunday night, said Saraki claimed that acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, begged him to help his confirmation by the Senate.

The commission noted that Saraki said this in his submission to the Chief Judge of Federal High Court on why he should ignore the request of the EFCC, seeking the transfer of its cases from Justice Taiwo Taiwo who recently granted ex-parte order to restrain the Commission from performing its statutory duties.

“Incidentally, the EFCC has filed a detailed response against the judge’s restraining order and took up issues over the controversial interim order”, it said.

“While waiting for the careful response of the CJ over the Commission’s request, we wish to advise ex- Senate President to carry his cross and allow the judiciary to performs its constitutional role.

“It is preposterous for the ex-Senate President to be raising issues on what transpired during the confirmation of EFCC boss in 2016 when he is no longer in charge of the Senate in 2019.

“It is too late for him in the day, to be claiming innocence over the confirmation saga when every Nigerian knew what transpired under his watch. The Commission under Magu, has moved on and will not be distracted over mundane issue.

“Let it be stated in unequivocal terms that the investigation of Saraki’s stewardship, whether as a former Senate President or as a former governor of Kwara State, has absolutely nothing to do with the non-confirmation of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC.

“While the EFCC will not allow itself to be drawn by Saraki to take up issues with him on the pages of newspapers, it is pertinent to once again state in clear terms that the probes being carried out by the EFCC are nothing personal, but all about enthroning probity in governance, and letting leaders know that even out of office, they will be held accountable for their stewardship.

“Again, it is worth reminding Saraki that he has no need to be scared of the EFCC and its leadership as long as he believes he has a clear conscience. He should, therefore, rather than running from pillar to post, allow the law to take its course.”