From Fred Itua, Abuja
Forty eight hours after President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded the name of acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu to the Senate for screening and confirmation, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, declined to read the correspondence at plenary.
Daily Sun gathered that Buhari’s Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, who acts as the link between the Presidency and the chamber, transmitted the letter Saraki on Wednesday, June 22.
A National Assembly source said Saraki is in possession of the letter but declined to read it at yesterday’s plenary. He said Saraki’s refusal to read the letter and refer it to the relevant committee may not be unconnected to the ongoing feud between the Presidency and the leadership.
“Senate is already in possession of the letter. I am aware of that. The letter was sent to the Senate this week but it was not read. I do not know why, but, you know there is an ongoing battle between the two arms of government. That may be the reason why it has been read.
Speaking with Daily Sun on the issue, Senator Enang said he could not speak on the issue pending when it will be read in the chamber as it was beyond him.
“I cannot speak on a matter that has not been discussed on the floor of the Senate. That’s all I can say for now on the issue.”
Buhari had, on November 9, 2015, sacked Ibrahim Lamorde as EFCC boss and replaced him immediately with Magu who has, however, acted in that capacity since then.
Since his appointment, he has spearheaded major investigations and prosecution of former political office holders who allegedly pilfered public funds.
Magu is most famous for his investigation of the $2.1 billion arms purchase funds, allegedly diverted into funding the election campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan.