Buhari clears Babachir Lawal, Magu of corruption allegations

- President Muhammadu Buhari has cleared Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal and the acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, of any corrupt practices - Buhari reportedly wrote two letters to the Senate on Sunday. While one letter asked the lawmakers to set aside their call for the resignation of the SGF, the other urged the Senate to confirm Mr Magu as the EFCC boss. Ibrahim Magu and Babachir Lawal

President Muhammadu Buhari has cleared Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal and the acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, of any corrupt practices despite indictment by state agents. While the SGF was indicted by the Senate’s ad-hoc committee on mounting humanitarian crisis in north-east in expending funds meant for alleviating sufferings of IDPs, Mr Magu was indicted by the DSS. According to a report by Daily Sun, President wrote two letters to the Senate on Sunday. While one asked the lawmakers to set aside their call for the resignation of the SGF, the other urged the Senate to confirm Mr Magu as the EFCC boss. “I can confirm that to you,” a top source who aware of the letter by Buhari urging the Senate to confirm Magu was quoted by the newspaper. On the SGF’s clearance, the source simply quipped: “I don’t know about that one.” Another source quoted by Vanguard newspaper said; “yes, Iam aware that the President has written to the Senate asking that Ibrahim Magu’s case should be reconsidered and he also wrote on the SGF, Babachir Lawal. The letter may be read tomorrow.” It was also reported that during Saraki’s meeting with president Buhari on December 29, 2016, at the Presidential Villa, Magu’s rejection came up for discussion but Saraki did not make any commitment to Buhari, to ensure that Magu’s name scales through in the chamber. It was gathered that the Senate President did not object to assist Magu during the confirmation hearing. But the Presidency has distances self from claims on Magu’s confirmation letter. Speaking with Vanguard, the special assistant to the President on National Assembly matters (Senate), Mr Ita Enang, said Buhari has not written a fresh letter to the Senate insisting on confirming the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu. Enang said he was not aware of such letter. “You are about the third person calling me on this matter. “I am not aware of that discussion and I don’t want to speak on the matter because I don’t have details,’’ he said. Meanwhile, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun Ishola of the Federal High Court, Lagos will on February 13 hear a suit against Magu for still parading himself as Chairman. The suit was instituted by a lawyer and activist, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa. The lawyer is praying the court to restrain Magu from parading himself as such. Adegboruwa is also asking the Senate not to entertain any further request for Magu’s confirmation. Adegboruwa said since the Senate had rejected Magu, he could not thereafter be illegally functioning in acting capacity.