Shortly after Ibrahim Magu was rejected for confirmation by the senate as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, some people believed President Muhammadu Buhari has failed in engaging will to assert on his candidate. It was reported in some media platforms that two “former presidents” of Nigeria felt PMB may have lost control over the National Assembly (NASS).
Well, those thinking Mr. President is hapless are entitled to their opinion. The president is working the change in the midst of challenges and that is where the so called anti corruption Czar is ankle deep in a shifty mire. Before I return to the president or the personality of Magu in the ongoing fracas, let me peck on the grains, which might keep Magu acting perpetually.
The battle between the cabals is a very interesting episode in most administrations in Nigeria. Under the Buhari administration, they have reared their ugly heads with insatiable appetite for money and power.
They have fed their pockets full, hoping to feed their ego, their ambition to pillage the more. The gluttonous interest for high profile corruption is so intense that the battle split in between the less ambitious and the most ambitious classes of cabals. Magu certainly cannot belong to both sides of the cabal, hence his doom quickly sealed by rival group.
Our dear senators most time play by the rule of fortune festooned on the highest bidder. They gravitate radically along money and power. With a constitution that makes them nearly assume the position of omnipotence and omni-powerful, there is no limit to their wand of influence, which comes with affluence and consequence. It therefore didn’t come to me as a surprise to read on pages of papers of possible sharing of money to distinguished members of the senate against the embattled Magu’s nomination. As earlier mentioned, cabals come to steal with the aim of exerting influence and holding on to power at all cost.
Another reason Magu will have to expect miracle to scale the hurdle before him is the established reality of his anti corruption crusade tearing down some ‘notables’ in the country. It doesn’t take a magician to known that many toes are stepped on already. Interestingly some of these sore toes have friends everywhere including the National Assembly. Palpable solidarity may have accounted for some holding up against his confirmation, believing a new person will be merciful, malleable in handling outstanding cases.
There are several senators who are presently having countless issues with the EFCC. These platoon of criminals have ganged up after realizing that Magu will not shift grounds. They will rather stop the nomination and seek a new negotiation with the next person whom they hope will condescend. This category of people will never sheath sword.
Another major reason the nomination of Magu has become a tail chasing event is the fact that president Muhammadu Buhari will not offer bribe to influence the process. Now this is where I had earlier paused. It is therefore instructive to intimate that those alleging that Buhari cannot handle NASS have forgotten that several senators are accustomed to receiving bags of monies each time the presidency has interests. If Buhari refuses to play game, the stand off may continue ad-infinitum.
Magu may also be part of his own problem. Many analysts believe government or some cabals are using him to witch hunt some prominent Nigerians. It is believed that he has led a skewed crusade in his anti-corruption war, where some people are more favored. It is believed that he is no more than a hatchet man in the hands of some cabals. It is also opined that he may have acted in a way that may have triggered off DSS accusations. As the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. Instructive therefore to state that Magu must be assessed beyond what ordinarily meets the eye. He has tried to exonerate himself but thorough investigations must vet him clean for the job ahead needs no scandal from him.
There will be consequence against the anti corruption war either way the imbroglio goes. If Magu is confirmed and allegations brought before him by the DSS is swept under the carpet, it would only remain under until such a time it is expedient for a top thief to wave him off with it. This will definitely make him weak and more selective, taking on isolated cases and turning a blind eye on the real criminals. That way, corruption will fester and we will be back to where we started, impunity, waste and outright stealing of our common wealth.
On the other flipside of the matter, once Magu is denied confirmation and the presidency is forced to present another candidate, the senate, cabals will have total influence over that person. All the thieves inside or connected to the NASS will be protected. Again, only a few without strong affiliations will be picked. If the presidency decides to apply the bribe formula, then we can totally forget about the fight against corruption.
Written by, Israel A. Ebije
About the Author
