TheCable

The presidency has defended the suspension of Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who is being investigated for alleged corruption.

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said in a statement on Saturday that Magu’s suspension shows the fight against corruption is real.

He said Magu is not immune to such a probe because there are no sacred cows in the current administration’s fight against corruption.

Magu is being investigated by a presidential panel over the activities of the agency under him.

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, had accused him of diverting recovered funds.

Shehu said the nature of the allegations levelled against the acting EFCC chairman shows enough grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted.

“Mr. 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,” Shehu said.

”There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.

“As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.

“The EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual.

“Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.“

He added that Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him.

“This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the Laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty,” he said.

”We must realize that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.

“What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realize that they would be held to account.

“This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of Accountability and the recognition of the Rule of Law.

“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.”