President Buhari has said his craving is to make Nigeria a nation that has no capacity to bear defilement,
yet one where the hazard is overwhelmingly struggled.
President Buhari expressed that while accepting the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Investigation of Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), headed by Justice Ayo Salami (Rtd), at State House, Abuja, today November 20.
'The sad reality confronting us as a people is that there is corruption almost everywhere; at many levels of government, and nearly every stratum of our society. Mindful of the threat that corruption poses to us as a nation, this administration has specifically focused on the fight against corruption.
''As a government, and in furtherance of our anti-corruption programme, we have since inception engaged in many reforms in removing corruption including but not limited to the enforcement of Treasury Single Account (TSA), strict implementation of the Bank Verification Number Policy and signing unto the Open Government Partnership. A lot of efforts have gone into building and development of our anti-corruption institutions.
''We have so far kept faith with our promise and shall remain committed until Nigeria triumphs over the evil of corruption, attain a prosperous economic status and surmounts her security challenges.
''However, the stark reality of widespread corruption becomes poignant when allegations of corruption touches on the leadership of an institution set up by law to coordinate and enforce all economic and financial crimes. It is an abomination that strikes at the root, and undermines the Government’s anti-corruption programme.
''It was in response to the serious allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that I set up a Panel headed by the Honourable Justice Isa Ayo Salami, retired President of the Court of Appeal, via an Instrument dated 3rd July 2020 pursuant to the Tribunals of Inquiry Act (Cap T21, LFN, 2004).
''We recognize that there are more grounds to cover in the war against corruption, and we are prepared to go out to possess those lands by cutting off any stream that nourishes the seed of corruption and supports its growth.
''Let it be known that in the fight against corruption, no one is too big to tackle, as no individual is bigger than the Nigerian State!'' President Buhari said
In his comments, Justice Salami said that the suspended Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, and 113 observers showed up and affirmed before the Commission, adding that 46 petitions and memoranda were introduced by people and associations with protests against the suspended Acting Chairman, EFCC or both.
Equity Salami uncovered that the Commission likewise left on a cross country actual confirmation of recuperated relinquished resources, involving genuine bequests, autos, vessels and non-money resources.
He recognized the President for the activity to discard every single relinquished resource ''because of the poor condition of the assets we saw during our physical verification nationwide.''
Taking note of that the four directors of EFCC since origin were from the police, the resigned Justice of the Court of Appeal additionally suggested that in selecting another administrator thought should be given to up-and-comers from other law implementation or security offices and center staff of the EFCC as given in the EFCC foundation Act of 2004.
He offered significant thanks to the President for giving the Commission individuals a superb occasion to serve the country.
