What Magu’s second rejection means, by lawyers
Senior lawyers react to the rejection of the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as EFCC chair.
Magu’s era at EFCC over Mike Ozekhome (SAN)
“It should never be as bad as this. Buhari can no longer represent Magu ‘s name again, because of the serious moral burden, ethical challenges and legal impediments thus imposed on him with this second definitive rejection, this time after a full screening.
Representing his name will raise more questions than answers as to why the insistence on one man.
“This is unlike the first instance when Senate merely turned him down without any screening.
“That it was done shortly after the celebrated arrival of President Buhari from his medical vacation makes it more interesting and more significant as it underlines the independence of the Legislature, the Senate. It is high time for President Buhari to look for another competent Nigerian out of about 180 million people in population. After all, there was once a Nuhu Ribadu, a Mrs Waziri and a Mr Ibrahim Lamorde. Like the cliche goes, soldiers go, soldiers come, Barracks remain”.
“Going by sections 2(1) and 2(3) of the EFCC Act, he ceases to be the Executive Chairman. Having left his “acting” position during his proposal to the Senate, he also loses his “acting” capacity.
It will be impeachable if he is renominated – JB Daudu
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Joseph Bodunrin Daudu SAN said yesterday that Ibrahim Magu’s era at the EFCC is over; adding that “anything Magu does from today will be null and void”.
Speaking during a phone interview with Daily Trust, JB Daudu said that the Senate has already closed Magu’s file. According to him, it will be impeachable if President Buhari continues to nominate Magu.
He said Magu was a mere nominee and the issue of again appointing Magu as Acting Chairman of the EFCC is unknown to our law.
Magu has done well but ... Sebastine Hon
“While I personally believe Mr. Magu has done exceptionally well, deserving of confirmation by the Senate, I lack the moral justification to insist that the DSS which has far more investigative reach than me is only playing games or is being economical with the truth by twice moving against his confirmation. Let me boldly say that if the SSS and the Senate are acting in some insidious conspiracy, Nigeria is finished! I will, indeed, warn the two regulatory bodies that there is nothing hidden that will one day not be exposed, supposing they playing such games!
“Having sounded that note of warning, however, I will strongly counsel Mr. President not to present Mr. Magu again for confirmation. The reason is plain enough: it is nigh impossible for the DSS to make a u-turn, after twice launching out against Mr. Magu; and secondly, the Senate has not shown any intention of dumping the DSS. To Mr. Magu, I will personally say he has done well, at least in my personal but limited perception. However, it does appear the position of substantive EFCC Chairman is not his now.”