Ibrahim Magu to defend self against allegations –Presidency

LAGOS, Nigeria -The suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu will be given the opportunity to defend himself against the series of allegations made against him, Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari  on Media and Publicity has said.

According to him, a series of documented allegations were made against the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and that the suspension of  Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.

“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.

He said the EFCC has many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the “wealth of our country isn’t plundered and wherein there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice”, Garba Shehu said in a statement.

He said there is no better indication that the fight against corruption in Nigeria 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.

He warned that those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.

“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.

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

Garba Shehu explained that as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.

“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”, he said.