EFCC: Group backs Buhari, Justice Ayo Salami on probing Magu

Citizens Voice Against Corruption (CIVAC), has described the recent move by President Buhari administration to investigate corruption practices within its anti-corruption agencies particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a welcome development among Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Abdulrazaq Okori on behalf of the coalition of civil society organisations the constitution of the Justice Ayo Salami panel to probe corruption allegations leveled against the Chairman of EFCC Ibrahim Magu has proved many doubters wrong and has cemented the president’s resolve to fight corruption even if it involves the so-called one of its own.

Okori noted that the selection of Justice Ayo Salami to head the investigation panel has been a masterstroke from the president, considering his incorruptible and impeccable character.

Okori explained that the 2011– 2013 face-off between Justice Salami and the then Federal Government showcased his integrity and credibility to the limelight. Evidenced by how he stood his ground and refused to compromise on his moral and judicial responsibilities despite pressure and blackmail from the then executive arm of government in conjunction with some corrupt elements within the Judiciary.

According to Okori, the entire saga pointed to the true character of Justice Salami as an Anti-corruption champion and someone who will not be pushed around to the bidding of any other person or be blackmailed to get something out of him.

Unfortunately, the defendant’s team are crying woefully, trying hard to derail the direction of this investigation and have resorted to smear campaign and media blackmail using proxy groups against people involved in the investigation.

These smear campaigns were first targeted towards the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN, because he is exposing alleged corrupt practices and abuse of office by the suspended EFCC Boss, Ibrahim Magu, to the President and the investigation panel.

Okori further said, “As the detractors have been unsuccessful in tarnishing the image of the AGF using their spurious allegations, they have now turned in the direction of Justice Salami.

The current smear campaigns and media blackmail using anti-Nigeria and anti-democracy media outlets quoting fake sitting allowances and emoluments against Justice Salami and the panel members with the sole aim of derailing the ongoing investigation and injuring the anti-corruption agenda of President Buhari led government.

He avers that with the integrity and incorruptible nature of Justice Salami, the detractors are aware He will see through to the end of the investigation, with a clear evident that the detractors are afraid of the outcome.

He noted that the coalition wish to make itself clear of it strong support for the investigation and also call on the Federal Government to provide Justice Salami panel all the necessary support and resources needed to see the investigation to a logical conclusion.

“If the defendant’s team (Ibrahim Magu’s team) are not pleased with the procedure or do not believe in the legality of the investigation panel they are free to seek redress in a court of justice. We will like to call on Justice Salami and his panel members to stay focused and not be distracted by the noise of those who are vehemently opposed to the anti-corruption crusade.

He further call on Nigerians to disregard the baseless allegations and campaign of calumny against Justice Salami and other panel members working hard to investigate the corrupt acts and abuse of office and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice, and also call on the authorities to ensure the security of Justice Salami and other panel members.