A former Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, 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.
Recall that the Senate had last week refused to confirm Magu as substantive chairman of EFCC following reports from the Department of State Services.
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.
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