Newsrescue
As a group that promote good governance, accountability and probity in an environment that is fair to all, Good Governance and Probity (FGGP) keep abreast of government activities in order to ensure that the dividends of democracy are been delivered and benefited by all Nigerians. One of the hallmarks of the present administration is his desire to fight corruption to stand still, the recent silence of the President Buhari over the rejection of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) by the Nigeria Senate has opened another chapter in the anti-graft war, this was the assertions of the FGGP president, Mr Jacob Ogunseye
According to Ogunseye “fighting corruption was perceived to be an hallmark of this Buhari-led administration, but the trend of events call for concern about the sincerity of government in tackling this common virus (corruption) troubling our nation, Nigeria.
“Recently, the Nigeria Senate under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki refused to confirm the appointment of Mr Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), a government agency designated to battle corruption in our country. It was on record that the upper chamber declined to approve his appointment based on the overwhelming evidence of alleged corrupt activities of Mr Magu, which were made available to the Senate by State Security Services (SSS).
“We, as a group that promote good governance in Nigeria were not questioning the rationale behind the Senate refusal to confirm Magu’s appointment since it was premised on intelligence report from SSS.
“Our utmost concern and disbelief is the kind of “grave-like” silence of President Buhari on this important issue that form part of fundamental political agenda as anchored during 2015 electioneering campaign of the present ruling party, All Progressive Party (APC) leading to the general election.
“The appointments of heads of various national security agencies including DSS were made by President Buhari and those occupying these positions are trusted and loyal individuals, of which their professional conducts and judgments, Mr President can rely on. Lawal Musa Daura was appointed in July 2, 2015 as the Director General of DSS based on aforementioned facts and cordial relationship that subsists between the duos.
“However, since the refusal of Mr. Magu Ibrahim as head of the anti-corruption agency, President Buhari has remained silence on the issue. If president was not adequately briefed on the security report on Mr Magu before forwarding his name to the Senate for confirmation (which we believed should have been the prerequisite exercise), Buhari must have been sufficiently updated on this intelligence reports on his nominee. Coupled with the fact that the DSS, of which Buhari’s right hand man, Lawal Musa Daura, is in saddle, has not come out to deny this reports or any of its contents. We are extremely worried about the silence of our dear President which is absolutely unacceptable.
“It was also reported on dailies at a time that a group of northern political powerhouse led by Alhaji Babagana Kinjibe including recently sacked Senate majority leader, Senator Ali Ndume representing Borno South were the brain behind stumbling Mr Magu’s sack.
“The FGGP is concerned if the anti-corruption crusade of President Buhari is not two-faced. Or is it that the cabal has actually hijacked the control of the state from president as claimed by his adorable and lion-hearted wife?
The forum however among others demanded “President Buhari should speak out on Mr Magu’s appointment saga and make his position known to all Nigerians on it.
“All corruption cases pending at various judicial circles or courts of law should be expedited and pursue to a logical conclusion.
“The senate president, Bukola Saraki’s CCT case should not be swept under the carpet
“The corrupt allegation against all President Buhari’s political appointees including Rt. Rotimi Amaechi, the Honourable Minister of Transport, and others must be investigated thoroughly and appropriately dealt with.
“If Mr President claims to be fighting corruption, it must be total, unbiased and transparent. Justice must be served and see being done accordingly.
Ogunseye however said FGGP will continue to support the Buhari-led government to ensure good governance and accountability to pilot the national affairs to a desirable destination among the comity of nations.
