By Amos Tauna
Acting President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has affirmed that Ibrahim Magu, remains the Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in spite of controversy surrounding his eligibility for the position.
Osinbajo spoke in Kaduna, northern Nigeria Thursday through Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-rufai shortly before the commissioning ceremony of the EFCC zonal office in Kaduna.
The EFCC boss had called for the establishment of a special prison for corrupt Nigerians in the famous Boko Haram den, Sambisa forest.
According to Osinbajo, he had talked with President Mahammadu Buhari over the issue of Magu, and the President said as long as he remains President, Magu will not vacate the anti-corruption seat.
Osinbajo explained, “We have every confidence in Magu to fight corruption to a standstill. He will remain the EFCC chairman as long as I remain the Acting President and as well as Muhammadu Buhari remains the President.
“It is our belief that Magu will continue to remain a nightmare for corrupt people for years to come.”
In a welcome address, Governor El-Rufai disclosed that Kaduna state government had recovered over N500 million quietly from corrupt past government officials and contractors without anybody knowing.
He however added that those corrupt officials would be handed over to EFCC in due course for prosecution.
He said he encouraged the establishment of EFCC zonal office in Kaduna because the State has zero tolerance for financial bad behaviour.
El-Rufai promised the Commission a land for its training school as well as staff accommodation.
“The Commission can continue to count on us for our support for EFCC. We have set aside a land in Kaduna for your training school,” El-Rufai explained.
Earlier, the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, called for a corruption prison to be located in Sambisa Forest, noting that, for the prison to become a reality, the judicial arm of government should cooperate with the Commission.
He informed that illegal monies were likely to be abandoned by corrupt persons at the nation’s airport and places in the near future as it happened at Kaduna airport some few months ago.
He warned that if concerted efforts were not made to rid the country of corruption, the monster would kill the citizens.
“We want to call for establishment of prison in Sambisa forest in order to keep away corrupt people from our midst.
“In this case, the judiciary has direct influence to help in the fight against corruption.
“But concerted efforts are being made by some big Nigerians to neutralise the fight against corruption.
“We must change the narrative by fighting back those that do not want the fight to succeed.
“I remain committed to the fight against corruption, and I commend the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai for encouraging EFCC to establish a zonal office in Kaduna.
“We must therefore join hands together to kill corruption, before corruption will kill us.”
