Senate to screen acting EFCC chairman on Wednesday

Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will appear before the Senate for screening on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

Senate President Bukola Saraki made this known during plenary on Tuesday, March 13.

The Senate had on Thursday, December 15, 2016 rejected Magu's nomination as chairman of as chairman of the EFCC due to a security report by the Department of State Services (DSS).

“The Senate wish to inform the public that based on available security report, the Senate cannot proceed with confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“The nomination of Ibrahim Magu is hereby rejected and has been returned to the President for further action,” said Senate spokesman, Abdullahi Sabi.

But in a letter to the Senate on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari renominated Magu saying he had been 'adequately briefed' on the security report.

"There is the need to maintain the current momentum and capacity of the EFCC since May 29, 2015," President Buhari's letter reads.

"It is in the above context that I, therefore, request the gracious indulgence of the Senate to favourably accept my renomination of Mr Ibrahim Magu Mustapha for the position of EFCC chairman haven received adequate clarification considering the matter relied upon by the Senate in arriving at its decision."

Speaking on Magu's fate, a Senator who craved anonymity told that Magu 'stands a good chance' of being confirmed by the Senate.

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The lawmaker, however, cautioned that Magu's confirmation is dependent on the resolution of the entire chamber.

"Magu's confirmation has taken more time than necessary," the lawmaker said.

"If you ask me, I will say he stands a good chance of being confirmed. This administration came to power to fight corruption and if the President insists that Magu is the one who can help achieve this, I think the best we can do as an arm of government is to support the president."

Magu has been leading the EFCC in acting capacity since November 2015.