• About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact
Breaking News Nigeria, Latest Nigerian News
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Business
    • Politics
    • Science
    • World
    Ohanaeze

    Igbo Presidency in 2023 will end Biafra agitation – Ohanaeze

    Unity Bank

    Unity Bank’s asset grows by 67.9% to N492.02B

    NCDC

    COVID-19: Nigeria records 70 new cases

    UBA

    UBA records N38.16B profit in Q1 2021. See key highlights

    cbn

    CBN places Sugar, Wheat on FX restriction list

    Obaseki

    N60B CASH PRINTING: Stop burying your heads in the sand, Obaseki fires back

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Tech
    • All
    • Apps
    • Mobile
    • Startup
    SIM registration

    Nigeria lifts ban on new SIM registration

    Twitter

    3 reasons why Twitter sidelined Nigeria to locate Africa office in Ghana

    Appzone

    Nigerian fintech, Appzone raises $10 million Series A

    Cryptocurrency

    Visa set to start accepting cryptocurrency

    nigerian tech

    Is the Nigerian tech ecosystem on a brink of Dutch Disease?

    Elon Musk

    It’s official, Tesla is accepting payment in Bitcoin

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Sports
    Ryan Mason

    MOURINHO: Tottenham appoints Ryan Mason as new interim manager

    UEFA

    UEFA unveils new rules amid rising opposition to new super league

    BREAKING! Tottenham fire Jose Mourinho

    BREAKING! Tottenham fire Jose Mourinho

    Adekunle Gold

    Did Adekunle Gold actually cheat on his wife Simi?

    #eaglewingsmovie

    #EagleWingsMovie: Nigeria’s first true action film pitches duty against love in Boko Haram fight

    22-year-old Nigerian officially becomes the fastest man in the world

    22-year-old Nigerian officially becomes the fastest man in the world

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    omojuwa

    Omojuwa’s weekend is off to a bad start, here is why

    Weekend

    #TGIF! 5 exciting ways to make the most of your weekend

    University of Ibadan

    FG approves N190.5 million for University of Ibadan to purchase microscope to aid research

    HEATWAVE: 5 tips to stay stylish and cool in this hot weather

    HEATWAVE: 5 tips to stay stylish and cool in this hot weather

    who cheats more

    #VALENTINE SPECIAL: Men or women? Who cheats more? Result of this new study will shock you

    valentine's day

    5 ways to make Valentine’s Day memorable while observing social distancing

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Game of Thrones
    • MotoGP 2017
    • eSports
    • Fashion Week
  • SMARTKOBO
    untitled lands in nigeria

    How to acquire untitled lands in Nigeria without getting into trouble with the government

    real estate investment

    A wrong real estate investment can wipe out your whole life savings. This is how to do it safely

    returned item fee

    #SmartKobo: What is a returned item fee and why was I penalised?

    investment strategies

    #SmartKobo: 6 winning investment strategies to stay ahead in 2021

    pay schedule

    #SmartKobo: Weekly, monthly & more: How your pay schedule affects you

    cash-out refinance

    #SmartKobo: How to know if it’s time for cash-out-refinance

  • #EndBadGovernance Photo Challenge
No Result
View All Result
Breaking News Nigeria, Latest Nigerian News
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Business
    • Politics
    • Science
    • World
    Ohanaeze

    Igbo Presidency in 2023 will end Biafra agitation – Ohanaeze

    Unity Bank

    Unity Bank’s asset grows by 67.9% to N492.02B

    NCDC

    COVID-19: Nigeria records 70 new cases

    UBA

    UBA records N38.16B profit in Q1 2021. See key highlights

    cbn

    CBN places Sugar, Wheat on FX restriction list

    Obaseki

    N60B CASH PRINTING: Stop burying your heads in the sand, Obaseki fires back

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Tech
    • All
    • Apps
    • Mobile
    • Startup
    SIM registration

    Nigeria lifts ban on new SIM registration

    Twitter

    3 reasons why Twitter sidelined Nigeria to locate Africa office in Ghana

    Appzone

    Nigerian fintech, Appzone raises $10 million Series A

    Cryptocurrency

    Visa set to start accepting cryptocurrency

    nigerian tech

    Is the Nigerian tech ecosystem on a brink of Dutch Disease?

    Elon Musk

    It’s official, Tesla is accepting payment in Bitcoin

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Sports
    Ryan Mason

    MOURINHO: Tottenham appoints Ryan Mason as new interim manager

    UEFA

    UEFA unveils new rules amid rising opposition to new super league

    BREAKING! Tottenham fire Jose Mourinho

    BREAKING! Tottenham fire Jose Mourinho

    Adekunle Gold

    Did Adekunle Gold actually cheat on his wife Simi?

    #eaglewingsmovie

    #EagleWingsMovie: Nigeria’s first true action film pitches duty against love in Boko Haram fight

    22-year-old Nigerian officially becomes the fastest man in the world

    22-year-old Nigerian officially becomes the fastest man in the world

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    omojuwa

    Omojuwa’s weekend is off to a bad start, here is why

    Weekend

    #TGIF! 5 exciting ways to make the most of your weekend

    University of Ibadan

    FG approves N190.5 million for University of Ibadan to purchase microscope to aid research

    HEATWAVE: 5 tips to stay stylish and cool in this hot weather

    HEATWAVE: 5 tips to stay stylish and cool in this hot weather

    who cheats more

    #VALENTINE SPECIAL: Men or women? Who cheats more? Result of this new study will shock you

    valentine's day

    5 ways to make Valentine’s Day memorable while observing social distancing

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Game of Thrones
    • MotoGP 2017
    • eSports
    • Fashion Week
  • SMARTKOBO
    untitled lands in nigeria

    How to acquire untitled lands in Nigeria without getting into trouble with the government

    real estate investment

    A wrong real estate investment can wipe out your whole life savings. This is how to do it safely

    returned item fee

    #SmartKobo: What is a returned item fee and why was I penalised?

    investment strategies

    #SmartKobo: 6 winning investment strategies to stay ahead in 2021

    pay schedule

    #SmartKobo: Weekly, monthly & more: How your pay schedule affects you

    cash-out refinance

    #SmartKobo: How to know if it’s time for cash-out-refinance

  • #EndBadGovernance Photo Challenge
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Breaking News Nigeria, Latest Nigerian News
Home Politics Featured Section

Magu, Buhari and Nigeria’s caricature corruption fight

Biodun Busari by Biodun Busari
July 14, 2020
in Politics Featured Section
0
A A
0
magu

Ibrahim Magu

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

…The fight against corruption as well as insecurity has yielded few fruits

Every well-meaning Nigerian residing home and abroad would have thought in 2015 that corruption should either be significantly curtailed or totally eliminated by now.

This assumption is hinged on the robust campaign promises and salient manifestoes that the political chiefs of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) circulated to flood the public space in their quest to secure their ticket to Aso Rock Villa.

The then main opposition was almost practically begging Nigerians to vote for their party so as to afford them the constitutional power to crush terrorism-laden insecurity in the country. Today, we all know that both insecurity and corruption are a twin-menace which has perforated the country’s capital reservoir thereby draining our resources.

It is quite depressing that insecurity and corruption are the seemingly two major threats to our national life despite the conceited promise of the government. It is more disheartening however to discover obviously that the nation’s capitals are being expended as huge resources are directly or indirectly swallowed by these deficiencies.

How do I mean? One cannot ascertain if the allocation of budget to fight insecurity is properly expended for this cause as insignificant tangible results have been recorded, while corruption thickens as those trusted with funds loot them.

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated many times that his administration is committed to fight corruption

The budgetary allocations to defence sector has been growing in order to fight insecurity from 2015 till date, but little or no achievements have been recorded to corroborate the resources voted for this project.

In 2015, 2016 and 2017, the expenditures voted for defence were N969 billion, N1.063 trillion and N1.142 trillion respectively. In 2018, the budget was basically targeted to combat all forms of insecurity ranging from Boko Haram insurgency, herdsmen killings, kidnappings, militancy and others. So, it was N1.334 trillion that went to the defence out of the N8.612 trillion total budget.

The question is, what have we gotten as the result? What we have to show for these resources is the “technical defeat of Boko Haram” while the insurgency rages on.

In as much as the insecurity peril is huge, corruption is more perilous to this country. The devastating oppression of this menace is when one realizes that the public officers assigned to lead the corruption fight is corrupt.

It is generally believed that President Muhammadu Buhari was voted into power in 2015 as a result of the anti-corruption pedigree he commanded during his military regime from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985. The opportunity given to him to replicate the same feat democratically has undoubtedly been an illusion, which now compels the country to ask if the corruption crusade of this APC-led government is genuine or sham?

The recent arrest and suspension of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Ibrahim Magu has placed a serious question mark on the anti-corruption campaign of this government? Ibrahim Magu was arrested and being grilled by the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel for grave malfeasance.

The investigation has revealed few secrets, but there are indications more secrets would be uncovered as the investigations go on.

But one cannnot but wonder how Magu, a supposedly clean man from a pack of filth called the Nigerian police, lost his integrity so brazenly to the lure of the pervasive corruption he was meant to fight.

Read also: BREAKING: President Buhari approves Magu’s suspension

But was Magu really the man for the job? Many thought otherwise from the day he was appointed in 2015.

Recall that the 8th Senate under the leadership of Dr. Bukola Saraki declined the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of EFCC in 2016 and 2017. The Senate affirmed that he lacked the integrity to sail the nation’s anti-graft boat.

The actions of the federal lawmakers were taken by many to be inimical and chary, but they are apparently vindicated now.

The crux of the argument here is why was he not replaced immediately when he was rejected by the Upper Chamber? Was he the most capable hands to deliver the job? Or, the President decided to look the other way? Why has Magu who has performed ‘heroic’ jobs suddenly become a villain?

Some people are arguing that Magu’s ordeal is a sign that the President’s anti-corruption war does not have ‘sacred cows.’ But I will quickly remind the fellow that such submission is baseless. Let’s examine the obvious.

corruption
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki-led Senate declined the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive EFCC boss (Photo credit: The Vanguard News)

In as much as I commend Magu’s arrest and investigation in the interest of the country, it also invokes the question of why the anti-graft assaults launched at the likes of Dasuki Sambo, Musiliu Obanikoro, Femi Fani-Kayode, Diezani Alison-Madueke and others that were in the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration spared those indicted of corruption allegations under President Buhari’s administration?

Former Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Adamu was indicted alongside 18 others for N15 billion corruption case when he was the governor. He was a member of the National Advisory Committee of the Buhari 2019 Presidential Support Committee. His son, Nurianu, was also arraigned by the EFCC in January 2018 for alleged N90m fraud.

Former Governor Abdullahi Adamu after he was arrested by the EFCC

Space will not permit to dwell on Adamu Muazu’s N19.8 billion alleged corruption case when he was Bauchi State governor. And there was the case of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and his N450 million he used his company Rholavision Engineering Limited to obtain consultancy contract to clear invasive plant in Yobe State from PINE, an intervention organisation under his office and others who use APC as their shield.

If all these gloomy alleged corruption cases abound while the President is in charge, why should we not think that Magu’s saga is a hoax? Or, perhaps a subtle plan to punish a victim of power play if what Femi Odekunle of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) said is anything to go by?

For all its worth, the President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption will be taken seriously when his lieutenants and members of his kitchen cabinets, and all front liners accused of corruption are released to be investigated and brought to book if found guilty.

In addition to this, their records of services should be thoroughly scrutinised to see if they are worthy to serve before appointed. Lastly, the Presidency should listen to opposition or other sources when they alert the government on the wrongdoing of any officers in the administration.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ezekhome allegedly wrote the Vice President when he observed that Magu was abusing his office. He said: “I wrote a public letter in 2017, to the then acting president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) at a time his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, was sick on a London hospital bed. I complained bitterly, with facts, figures and data, that recovered looted funds and property, were being re-looted by the Magu-led team, who were supposed to keep the gate of our commonwealth.”

Unfortunately, there is no record that the Acting President took any step to investigate Ozekhome’s claims. Instead, Nigerians are now recalled with the sad tale of how Osinbajo allegedly connived with the embattled Magu to pocket about N4 billion from the looted funds.

We deserve a corruption-free country where our resources are channelled towards building national wealth and maintaining sustainable development. This can be achieved in many ways, but mainly when this administration takes full responsibility to fight corruption without prejudice.

Tags: corruptionIbrahim MaguInsecuritymuhammadu buhari

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

Unsubscribe
Previous Post

#MondayMotivation: The good thing about failure

Next Post

How Nigeria blew over N100bn on fuel subsidy in three months

Next Post
nnpc

How Nigeria blew over N100bn on fuel subsidy in three months

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

  • 2.4k Followers
  • 5 Followers
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Youth

Why you cannot get more than N300,000 in FG’s youth investment loan scheme

April 20, 2021
Okorocha

OKOROCHA: See list of 33 stolen items allegedly found with ex-Governor

April 20, 2021
Buhari

How Niger’s president Mohamed Bazoum’s visit to President Muhammadu Buhari went down in Abuja

April 19, 2021
Unity Bank

Unity Bank’s asset grows by 67.9% to N492.02B

April 20, 2021
Ohanaeze

Igbo Presidency in 2023 will end Biafra agitation – Ohanaeze

April 20, 2021
Chad

BREAKING! Chad President Idriss Deby is dead

April 20, 2021
IPOB

The UK disrespects Nigeria by granting asylum to IPOB members – Lai Mohammed

April 20, 2021
Lagos state

Lagos holds LG election July

April 20, 2021
Ryan Mason

MOURINHO: Tottenham appoints Ryan Mason as new interim manager

April 20, 2021
Chad

BREAKING! Chad President Idriss Deby is dead

April 20, 2021
Ohanaeze

Igbo Presidency in 2023 will end Biafra agitation – Ohanaeze

April 20, 2021
Youth

Why you cannot get more than N300,000 in FG’s youth investment loan scheme

April 20, 2021

Recent News

IPOB

The UK disrespects Nigeria by granting asylum to IPOB members – Lai Mohammed

April 20, 2021
Lagos state

Lagos holds LG election July

April 20, 2021
Ryan Mason

MOURINHO: Tottenham appoints Ryan Mason as new interim manager

April 20, 2021
Chad

BREAKING! Chad President Idriss Deby is dead

April 20, 2021
Breaking News Nigeria, Latest Nigerian News

Follow Us

Subscribe to our newsletter

Please wait...
Want to be notified when our article is published? Enter your email address below to be the first to know.

Browse by Category

  • Apps
  • Athletics
  • Basketball
  • Breaking News
  • Business
  • Business Editor's Pick
  • Business Featured Section
  • EndBadGovernance Photo Challenge
  • Entertainment
  • Fashion
  • Featured
  • Food
  • Football
  • Gaming
  • General
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Mobile
  • Motor Sports
  • Movie
  • Music
  • News
  • Politics
  • Politics Featured Section
  • Review
  • Science
  • SmartKobo
  • Sports
  • Startup
  • Tech
  • Technology
  • Technology Featured Section
  • Uncategorized
  • World

Recent News

IPOB

The UK disrespects Nigeria by granting asylum to IPOB members – Lai Mohammed

April 20, 2021
Lagos state

Lagos holds LG election July

April 20, 2021
Ryan Mason

MOURINHO: Tottenham appoints Ryan Mason as new interim manager

April 20, 2021
Chad

BREAKING! Chad President Idriss Deby is dead

April 20, 2021
  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact

© Copyright Nigeria Today 2020

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • SMARTKOBO
  • #EndBadGovernance Photo Challenge

© Copyright Nigeria Today 2020

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Please wait...

Subscribe to our Nigeria Today News

Want to be notified when our article is published? Enter your email address below to be the first to know.
SUBSCRIBE