By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
A non-governmental human and civil rights group in Nigeria, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), has advised the new acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), DCP Umar, to work according to the mandate of his office and not tow the way of his predecessor, who it alleged, acted as if he was above the law.
Reacting to the sudden fall of the former EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu, and his travails, the Executive Director of CLO, Comrade Ibuchukwu Ohabuenyi Ezike, berated Magu for his alleged flagrant abuse of power, human rights, rule of law and due process.
The CLO chief also reminded the new acting Chairman that Nigerians expect him to work according to the mandate of his office, respect the rule of law and not playing to the gallery, obey human rights instruments and follow due process in the execution of his duties.
“Let his administration be known for thorough investigation of reports or allegations of corruption before haunting suspects to detention and law courts and to account for every Kobo they raise for the government from corrupt people. Let the law and not individuals rule and direct the process.
Ezike recalled that at the time Magu was appointed acting chairman of EFCC, CLO cautioned against Magu’s flagrant abuse of human rights, rule of law and due process, but regrettably, some Nigerians, and even some frontline CSO activists pitched tent with him, ” advising, urging and encouraging him to continue to indulge in the act.
“We queried EFCC under Magu’s corrupt practices. We wanted to know how much they have recovered for the government of Nigeria since he came to power but to no avail until now.
“I think the CLO has been proven right.”
On Magu’s removal and the effect on the continued fight against corruption, Ezike said that there were two ways. It is either that Magu’s successor will be careful and learn not to tow his successor’s line and so learn his good lesson by respecting the law, human rights and due process and refrain from fire brigade approach to fight against corruption or to continue in Magu’s fashion and be disgraced like Magu.
“I would urge him to choose the first option because it is more honourable and will be result oriented. That is the tradition in sane and democratic societies.”