Senators Plot to Delay Magu’s, Ambassadors’ Confirmations
Senators are plotting to delay the confirmation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, four members of the commission and the 47 career foreign service officers submitted for consideration as ambassadors by President Muhammadu Buhari for eight weeks, Daily Trust on Sunday gathered.
Our reporter learnt that the senators who have drawn the battleline over the Senate Rules forgery suit are planning to hit back at the executive with the confirmation of the EFCC boss and the ambassadorial nominees.
Already, the screening of Magu and four other members of the anti-corruption agency has been delayed for three weeks. The letter for Magu’s confirmation which was received by the office of the Senate President on June 22 was read last Thursday by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Sources in the Senate said the delay in reading of the letter was part of the plot to frustrate the confirmation of Magu.
A senator who spoke to Daily Trust on Sunday said the chances of screening and confirming those nominees before their annual recess were slim.
“This Thursday, we are going on our annual recess which will last for eight. If we proceed without the confirmation, it means they will have to wait till we return.
“Magu has a better chance of being screened and confirmed this week if those who are nursing grudges against him sheathe their swords but for the ambassadorial nominees, they will have to wait till we resume,” he said.
He added, “our colleagues who have cases at the EFCC see this as opportunity to hit back at Magu. So, we are afraid that if he appears for confirmation this week, he may not scale through.
“I believe that if his confirmation is delayed, it would be a blessing in disguise because it would enable him to reach out and lobby for his confirmation, “he said.
President Buhari on June 9th, sent the list of the nominees to the Senate for confirmation but the senators on June 22 summoned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir David Lawal, saying the list was lopsided.
When contacted, the Chairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Christopher Omoworare (APC, Osun East) said the confirmation of Magu and four other members of the EFCC would be listed on Tuesday.
“Since the letter of Mr. President has been read, it will be listed on the order on Tuesday. For the ambassadorial nominees, I hope the report of the Foreign Affairs committee would be ready on Monday (tomorrow), if it is, it will be listed on Tuesday, “he said.
In a phone interview, the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, faulted the allegation that they are plotting to delay the confirmation. “It is not true and please you should avoid spreading falsehood, “he said.