SENATE DECLINES TO CONFIRM ACTING EFCC CHAIRMAN FOR THE SECOND TIME
The Upper Legislative Chamber on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 has for the second time refused to confirm the nomination of the Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu. The Acting Chairman of the Anti-Graft Agency appeared before the Senate and responded to questions from the law-makers for about two hours before he was asked to bow and leave.
The session presided over by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki witnessed a very robust question and answer session. Most of the questions put before the Acting Chairman of the EFCC centered on human rights violation, recovery of looted funds, where the funds are kept, personnel discipline as well as the indictment of Mr. Magu by the security report of the State Security Service, forfeiture of seized assets, operational investigation of alleged suspects and prosecution of cases among other things.
Some of the Senators that asked questions include; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, Sen. Shehu Sani, Sen. Duro Faseyi, Sen. Isa Hamma Misau, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Sen. Biodun Olujimi and host of other Senators. At the end of the question and answer session, the Senate President puts the confirmation question before the Chamber and it was negative.
Meanwhile, the Senate has issued another summon to the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd). The fresh summon was sequel to a second letter the Comptroller General sent to the Senate in which he tendered an unreserved apology for his inability to appear before it as required by the Resolution of the Senate. He promised to appear before the Chamber promptly when next he is required, he also informed the law-makers that the Agency has suspended the policy of nationwide Vehicle Customs Duty drive it started recently.
Responding, the following Senators Kabiru Marafa, Ike Ekweremadu, Shola Adeyeye and George Thompson Sekibo commented on the issue; expressing dismay over his disregard to legislative authority. Consequently, Sen. Sekibo moved a motion to summon the Comptroller General for the second time and if he fails to avail himself of this opportunity, a warrant be issued for his arrest. The Motion was seconded by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
Accordingly, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service is to appear before the Senate on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 10 a.m. prompt. The Senate President noted that these actions taken by the Chamber would have been avoided if the laws of the land were respected in the first place.