It is not outrageous for Buhari to nominate Magu 4 times - Senator Ita Giwa

It is not outrageous for Buhari to nominate Magu 4 times - Senator Ita Giwa

- The Nigerian Senate has rejected Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the EFCC

- There are indication that his name will be resubmitted by President Muhammadu Buhari

- Senator Florence Ita-Giwa strongly holds the idea that President Buhari has the power to resubmit Magu's name

Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has affirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari has the power to re-nominate Ibrahim Magu for the chairmanship of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ita-Giwa who was a former special adviser to the president on National Assembly Matters, said the president has the rights to tender Magu's name a 4th time.

It is not outrageous for Buhari to nominate Magu 4 times - Senator Ita-Giwa

Speaking with newsmen on Saturday, Ita-Giwa said Buhari could still forward Magu’s name to the senate for the third time if need be.

She listed a former chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu and an ex-minister of aviation, Prof. Babalola Aborishade, as nominees that were screened up to four times by the Senate before they were eventually cleared during the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration.

According to her, what is needed is for the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Ita Enang, to carry intensive lobby that will see Magu through.

She said, “We have to be careful to know that there is separation of powers. Magu’s case is a delicate one. However, if the president believes that he is the man that can help fight corruption, he has the power to keep re-presenting him. He can present him up to four times if he insists that he is the person that will help fight corruption.

“There is a need for intensive lobbying now. Lobbying is allowed. Cordiality between the executive and legislative arms should be strengthened.”

Ita-Giwa noted that the scenario at the moment was a no-win situation between the executive and legislative arms.

“We have to be careful because the world is watching us. At the moment, it is a no-win situation for both arms of government.

“If the senate finds Magu’s integrity questionable, they should be careful not to make someone a superstar out of sympathy. Magu’s situation should be handled with utmost care,” she stated.

It is not outrageous for Buhari to nominate Magu 4 times - Senator Ita-Giwa

Buhari has received a written report of the Senate on the rejection of the nomination of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.

The communication was forwarded by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Saturday night.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari, Senator Ita Enang confirmed the receipt last night but declined to reveal the content as he was not privy to it.

Enang told Vanguard,that "There has been a communication between the President of the Senate and the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari.

“But the content thereof is privileged between them. I don’t know,” he said simply.

Recalled that the Senate on Wednesday turned down the nomination of Magu as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC.

It was the second rejection since Magu’s name was sent to the Senate for confirmation.

There are reports that President Muhammadu Buhari will re-nominate Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the third time.

Magu who has served as the acting chairman of the anti-graft agency was screened by the Senate on Wednesday, March 15 but was rejected on the basis of an indicting report from the Department of State Services.

Femi Adesina who is the special adviser to President Buhari on media and publicity had said that the president would respond to the rejection after the Senate duly writes him.

Today reports that the Senate conveyed in a letter to Buhari on Friday, March 17 informing him of Magu’s rejection but that the president is planning to resubmit his name.

Sources said the president was ready to stand by Magu based on the suggestion of his advisers who indicated that doing otherwise would be tantamount to backing down in his anti-corruption fight.

This is also at a time Magu seems to have received backing from the international community as he was invited by Transparency International and Global Witness as he was invited to speak at an international conference on money laundering and recovery.