Why we cannot arrest corrupt APC big weight – EFCC
At the wake of the ongoing war against corruption, which many view as being selective, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has said that the commission is unable to prosecute perceived corrupt members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, because it is yet to receive any petition against them.
Magu, who made the disclosure on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 in Abuja at a forum with online and broadcast media managers, said more influential Nigerians would soon be arrested to face prosecution as the EFCC under him has reinvigorated the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
The EFCC boss made this revelation at the backdrop of series of allegations against the anti-graft agency of being selective in the prosecution on the war against corruption.
Magu while responding to comments from participants at the forum said, a lot of Nigerians have a feeling that the ongoing war against corruption appears targeted at members of the opposition, but maintained that by his orientation, he has nothing to do with politics, hence he is not doing the bidding of any political party.
“Such accusations have come up a lot, but, we work with petitions before us, in fact, I am eager and waiting for something from the other side, but nothing has come so far,” Magu said.
Magu also said he had never been a fan of plea bargaining, adding however, he would act according to the law of the land.
“The effect of this, which is obvious for all to see, is the investigation, arrest and prosecution of some of the most powerful forces in Nigeria, who have questions to answer on their stewardship whilst in office.The Opposition PDP had earlier noted that while former PDP governors and ministers were being arrested over orchestrated petitions, their APC counterparts, with more damaging petitions were being shielded by the presidency and given “juicy” ministerial positions.
“A former National Security Adviser, former ministers, former governors, serving and retired military men, a media mogul and several others, are among those we have called to answer critical questions concerning the management of our commonwealth.
“As we speak, many more influential Nigerians are on the radar of the EFCC, and in the coming weeks, they would have their days in court and Nigerians will be kept fully abreast of the results of our investigations”, Magu said.
“Instead of the anti-graft agency, EFCC, to act on the petitions against Messrs. Fashola and Amaechi, they were being “rewarded” with ministerial appointments,” PDP had stated.Speaking further, The EFCC boss said in carrying out the mandate of the commission, he has been guided by the “fear of God, national interest and the rule of law”.
Magu said Buhari’s resolve to fight corruption in Nigeria can be found in his comments during his maiden media chat last year where he swore not to spare anyone found to be corrupt.
He added that the president’s resolve is complemented by that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Mahmud Mohammed, who, during the last All Nigerian Judges Conference, declared unwavering support of the judiciary under him, for the war on corruption.
0 comments:
Post a Comment