Why Senate rejected Magu as EFCC chairman

The Senate has rejected the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Magu's rejection was sequel to another damning letter by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The letter was received by the Senate on at about 5pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

"In the light of the forgoing, Magu has failed the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption drive of the present administration," the letter said.

His confirmation as chairman of the EFCC had been stalled on several occasions by the Senate 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."

Magu who failed to provide details of his communication with President Buhari however told the Senate that he would send a written copy of his letter to the upper chamber.

Magu appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as acting chairman of the EFCC on November 9, 2015.