Senate’s Rejection Of Magu’s Nomination: Options Open To President Buhari By Femi Falana

The rejection of the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday afternoon by the Senate on the basis of a security report compiled by the State Security Service is the height of official ridicule of the office of the President. It is high time President Buhari restrains the State Security Service from sabotaging the fight against corruption by the federal government.

With respect to the Senate, the confirmation hearing hurriedly conducted on Wednesday was illegal in every material particular. The participation of many senators who are either under investigation or being prosecuted by the EFCC has vitiated the entire proceedings of the Senate on the grounds of conflict of interest. It is also a contravention of the Rules of the Senate, which stipulate that matters which are sub judice shall not be discussed by the Senate.

However, notwithstanding the rejection of the nomination of Mr. Magu by the Senate, the options open to President are clear and straight forward. They are as follows:

1. Mr. Magu’s nomination may be re-presented to the Senate if and when the Federal Government decides to put its house in order.
2. Alternatively, the President may allow Mr. Magu to remain the Acting Chairman of the EFCC since he was appointed in that capacity pursuant to section 171 of the Constitution.
3. But if the President is not satisfied with Mr. Magu’s performance, he is at liberty to appoint another person whose nomination will be forwarded to the Senate in accordance with section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act, 2004.

In the light of the foregoing, President Buhari is enjoined to ensure that the fight against corruption is not derailed by highly placed corrupt elements who have enlisted the support of fifth columnists and reactionary forces in the government.

Femi Falana, SAN.