'Patrons of Corruption hindering our job' - EFCC boss

Speaking during a march against corruption in Abuja on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, Magu said a ‘deadly cabal’ is bent on taking Nigeria back to the dark days of corruption.

The EFCC czar promised to fight corruption with the last drop of his blood.

“If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. But we will not allow that because we will fight it with the last drop of our blood,” Magu said.

“More gains have been recorded in the last in the last two years. These gains are attested to by massive recovery of stolen assets, and conviction of some high profile corruption suspects.

“The reign of impunity in the conduct of public affairs has been checked to a considerable extent by taking on the high and mighty in all sectors.

“This ordinarily should provide impetus for greater exploits. Sadly, that is not the case. A band of corrupt elites threatened by momentum of the anti-graft war wants to derail the process.

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“They are deadly, and without remorse, they plot and scheme to defeat the anti-corruption and take the country back to the dark days when corruption and impunity reigns supreme.

“When most of us who feel the pain of corruption are asking for bigger convictions, the cabal profiteering from corruption will want the campaign watered down.

“When many Nigerians are calling for stiffer punishments for the corrupt, the patrons of corruption are saying it does not pay to punish the corrupt when we are sweating in the sun to express our collective hatred for corruption; they are busy in their air-conditioned mansions plotting how to continue the looting.

“I believe that God will not allow them to succeed because they have exposed themselves as the true enemies of the masses of Nigeria. These wicked people must be defeated! The days of impunity are gone forever.

“Nigerians who are fed up with the status quo yearn for change. The change they want is not a return to impunity. The change they want is not to return to looting. Nigerians are fed up with the looters.

“I stand before you today and make a solemn pledge never to give up the fight against corruption. Our commission will trace and recover all ill-gotten wealth and bring the perpetrators to book,” the EFCC boss added.

The walk which took place across major streets of Abuja was attended by heads of some government agencies, Nigeria Labour Congress and civil society organisations.