The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), an
anti-corruption coalition group, says Nigerians should expect a more corrupt
government following the suspension of Ibrahim Magu as acting chairman of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Magu was arrested on Monday and whisked to the presidential
villa in Abuja where he was grilled by a panel set up to probe the EFCC.
The panel is led by Ayo Salami, retired president of the
appeal court.
Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF),
had asked Buhari to sack Magu over some “weighty” allegations, including the
diversion of recovered loot, insubordination and misconduct.
NAN had quoted a source as saying Mohammed Umar, director of
operations at the EFCC, has been named acting chairman of the agency.
But in a statement on Wednesday, Sina Odugbemi, an official
of CSNAC, said Magu’s suspension is a blow on the anti-corruption campaign of
the incumbent administration.
He said the recent happenings are the latest orchestrated
designs intended to return Nigeria to the status quo of corruption and
impunity.
“It stirs the conscience of Nigerians that an investigative
panel meant to interrogate Mr Magu had same day detained him and the same day
purveyors of fake news and public persecution of Magu bandits his removal as
the EFCC Acting Chairman. The entire drama is nothing but a prepaid plan to
defeat the anti-corruption campaign,” the statement read.
The coalition, which boasts of 150 local, national and
regional anti-corruption groups, said it is not opposed to an investigation of
Magu over allegations of corruption.
Odugbemi said “the way and manner the forces behind the plot
pursued their desire was a clear indication that Magu was a victim of political
power game between reactionary and progressive forces”.
He added that Magu’s suspension may discourage other
anti-graft agencies from tackling corruption without fear.
“Mr Magu was dragged to the panel without adequate notice. He
was not given the time and opportunity to prepare his defence. He was not given
any chance to call witnesses. He hurriedly called his lawyer who was also not
adequately briefed before Magu was brought to the panel in a state of confusion
and anxiety,” he said.
“The removal of Magu may be the end of any genuine efforts
to fight corruption in Nigeria”.
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