Confirm Magu as EFCC Chair, Odumakin Urges Senate

Confirm Magu as EFCC Chair, Odumakin Urges Senate

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has called on Nigerians to eschew corruption of all manners as it remains the bane of all woes bedeviling the country.

He made the call on Friday, February 2, 2018 while playing host to a group called Movement against Corruption/ Women Arise for Change Initiative at the EFCC Office Wuse II, Abuja.
Magu urged the group to take upon itself the zeal to fight corruption stressing that, “It is a duty that must be done”.

In charging Nigerians to take ownership of the fight against corruption, Magu challenged individuals as stakeholders in the fight not to shy away from fighting the hydra-headed monster.

“Fight corruption the way you can. The fight against corruption should not be left for the EFCC alone. Everybody has a duty to fight corruption. You may not fight corruption the way EFCC is doing as you do not have the constitutional powers, but you can do it through your actions or deeds”, he said.

The EFCC boss assured the group that, against all odds, he would not give up in the fight against corruption adding that he would fight the menace this year like never before in order to free the country from the shackles of corruption.

“Against all adversaries, I remain focused, dogged, committed and determined more than never before to bring all corrupt elements in this country to justice. So, let’s join hands to fight the battle and ensure it is won. The larger the number of people fighting against corruption, the more voices would be lent to wining the war”, he said.

He urged the group to continue its efforts in mobilizing Nigerians against corruption for the country to attain sustainable development.
Earlier, Dr Joe-Okei Odumakin, Chairman (Steering Committee) Movement against Corruption urged Nigerians to join the EFCC in winning the war against corruption in the country.

Odumakin, who expressed concern over the impact of corruption in Nigeria noted that “Nigeria is bleeding under the heavy weight of corruption” adding that power does not corrupt people rather it is people that corrupt power”.

She called on Nigerians to take the fight against corruption as a duty saying, “There is the need for Nigerians to own the fight against corruption because it is not only for Magu and EFCC, but for the citizens to win”.

Odumakin attributed the success of the EFCC to the political will of the government, noting that Nigerians too can attest this going by what happened recently in Addis Ababa where President Buhari was honoured as the ‘Africa Anti-corruption Champion’ by the African Union, AU.
“The government has helped in providing an enabling environment for the Commission to thrive”, she said.

While urging the Senate to join the wagon of change by confirming Magu as the substantive chairman of EFCC, Odumakin said: “If at the level of Africa, the giant strides of Magu and indeed Nigeria in the fight against corruption is recognized, and if we can realise that if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us, then I am appealing to the Senate as true representatives of the people, not to stand against the moving train”.

Also in the delegation was Sadiq Daba, an actor and ambassador of the Movement Against Corruption.

Daba lauded the numerous achievements of the EFCC and urged Magu to continue with his job without fear or favour saying, “Nigerians are behind you”.

Other members of the delegation are Olufemi Lawson, Secretary; Tim Gabriel, Campaign Officer; Leye Somefun, Programme officer/Head Media.