A rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Development, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to concentrate on unravelling the series of corruption allegations levelled against the former acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN with a view to serving as deterrent to other appointees.
The CSO consequently described as diversionary barrage of counter allegations on the person of the Minister of Justice at a time he allegedly petitioned the former EFCC boss for allegations that are capable of destroying the anti-corruption toga for which President Muhamadu Buhari was elected.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, Convener of the CSO, Danesi Momoh Prince maintained that while the CSO could not hold brief for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation over the allegations also levelled against him, it found the allegations to be attempts to distract the Presidency and the masses from the real issue.
“As Civil Society Organisation devoted to good governance we have found that corruption is a delicate matter that is being indulged by a sophisticated cartel that will go extra miles to have their way. In this wise, we can boldly state that this is also a clear case of corruption fighting back. No one who understands the challenges associated with fighting societal ill would expect the Minister to go without bruises from the people he seeks to stop.
“While we are not holding brief for the Minister, we can say he has proved himself as one who is willing to rid the nation of corruption and illegality. He began by cleaning elements who have been accused of one financial misappropriation or the other.
“You may recall, that Adams Oshiomole the erstwhile National Chairman of the APC was invited by the DSS for allegations bothering on financial misappropriation, this invitation is believed was at the behest of the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation who could not condone corruption in circles close to him, even the National Chairman of the ruling party.
“Few days ago, the nation became awash with the information that the Erstwhile Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was arrested and detained for allegations bothering on corruption. Again it is believed that the petition leading to his invitation, arrest and subsequent detention was at the behest of the Hon. Attorney General who was obviously amazed that the head of the Anti-Graft Agency is allegedly perpetrating the same graft he was appointed to fight, being a man of principles, the right thing had to be done”, the CSO noted.
It further regretted that Magu who initially stood firm in recovering looted funds would fall to temptation of re-looting the funds that should have been used for the good of the nation.
