…The presidency is committed to transparency and accountability in governance
The Presidency on Tuesday said that the ongoing investigation of the suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, is a confirmation that nobody under the present administration is above inspection.
A source in the presidency who pleaded anonymity made this known to State House correspondents, that the interrogation of the anti-graft agency boss is to allow him the opportunity to exonerate himself of substantial accusations.
The source affirmed that the investigation of the EFCC boss was to buttress the Buhari-led administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that a leader of such an prominent office must be above suspicion.
The development is an assurance that the administration will not prejudge anyone as it could be counted on to uphold justice and fairness.
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Read also: Magu: 3 major reasons President Buhari suspended the EFCC boss
The unsigned statement read: “The panel investigating allegations against Ag. EFCC Chairman had been sitting for some weeks now.
“In consonance with the principle of fairness and justice, it was needful that the Ag. Chairman be given opportunity to respond to the allegations, which are weighty in nature.
“Under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, nobody is above scrutiny. Repeat: nobody.
“The investigation is to reinforce transparency and accountability, rather than to vitiate it.
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“Accountability for our actions or inactions is an inalienable part of democracy.
Read also: President Buhari suspends EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu
“In such elevated position as that of EFCC Chairman, the holder of the position must be above suspicion.
“There’s no prejudgement. Absolutely none. The Buhari administration can be counted on to uphold fairness and justice at all times,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that differing to claims that Magu had been arrested, he was only summoned by a presidential panel that had been examining the activities of the EFCC.
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According to the DSS, he was invited to the panel, and while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting and he was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation.
On Monday, the EFCC boss appeared before the panel probing allegations of grave malfeasance against him.
The panel is led by Ayo Salami, retired president of the appeal court.