Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said the Court of Appeal’s decision declaring Ibrahim Magu’s prolonged tenure as acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) unlawful has vindicated the position taken by the 8th Senate under his leadership.
Saraki made the statement on Tuesday while reacting to the appellate court’s ruling on the legality of Magu’s continued stay as acting head of the anti-corruption agency.
The former Senate President recalled that the 8th Senate rejected Magu’s nomination as substantive EFCC Chairman twice in 2016 and 2017, but he continued to serve in an acting capacity until July 2020.
According to Saraki, the Senate’s action was not politically motivated but an exercise of its constitutional responsibility.
“Back in 2016 and 2017, the 8th Senate, under my leadership, rejected Ibrahim Magu’s nomination as substantive EFCC Chairman not once but twice. Still, he remained in office illegally until July 2020, without confirmation by the Senate,” Saraki said.
He stated that the Senate’s position attracted criticism at the time, with some accusing lawmakers of political motives.
Saraki, however, maintained that the decision was based on constitutional responsibility.
“At the time, some called our decision political. It wasn’t. We were simply exercising our constitutional duty and standing by what was right,” he said.
He added that members of the 8th Senate and their associates faced pressure over the decision, describing the period as challenging.
Saraki said the Court of Appeal judgment, delivered nearly a decade after the controversy began, reinforced the position taken by the Senate during his tenure.
“Yesterday, the Court of Appeal ruled that Magu’s prolonged tenure as acting EFCC Chairman was indeed unlawful. Nearly a decade later, I feel vindicated yet again,” he stated.
Reflecting on the development, the former Senate President said public office holders must remain committed to their convictions despite criticism.
“Time may test one’s conviction, but it always ultimately reveals the value of standing on principle,” Saraki added.
The dispute over Magu’s continued leadership of the EFCC centred on whether he could remain acting chairman for an extended period after the Senate declined to confirm his appointment as substantive chairman.
