President of the 8th Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, says he feels vindicated over the tenure of a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.
Magu was chairman of the EFCC from 2016 to 2020 and his acting chairmanship was twice extended by former President Muhammadu Buhari without the approval of the Senate.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled that Magu’s prolonged stay as acting chairman of the EFCC was unlawful, overturning a federal high court judgement that upheld his continued retention in office.
A three-member panel of the appellate court delivered the judgement in an appeal filed by Johnmary Jideobi, a lawyer, who had challenged Magu’s continued stay in office after the senate twice rejected his nomination as substantive EFCC chairman.
Saraki on his verified Facebook page wrote: “It is often said, the path to righteousness may be long, but eventually it leads to righteousness.
“If we can recall in 2016 and 2017, the eighth council under my leadership we had to postpone the presidential request by that time I confirm Ibrahim Magu, as chairman of EFCC fighting corruption twice, but still We did not approve the request of the Presidential Palace, to continue the leadership of the Commission unconstitutionally, until July 2020, without the approval of the parliament, which was allowed by law to verify it.
“At that time, some said that because of politics we refused to agree with Ibrahim Magu’s confirmation. But it’s not so. We only follow what the constitution says, we say it must be done what the law says. I and my brothers and sisters in law and our families have been blamed by some selfish people. Following law and order was a problem for us at that time.
“Yesterday, the Court of Appeals ruled, where it confirmed that Ibrahim Magu’s longing as chairman of EFCC was against the law.
“Nearly 10 years ago today the world has proven me right.
“Message to some of us who got to hold a position in this country, the big lesson to learn is, you may suffer for taking steps you think is right, but later on the truth will prevail, always that he’s on point he’s winning (sic).”
