‘We have almost failed; it is almost lost’, Magu strikes hopeless tone on graft war

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has observed that with the way the war against corruption was being prosecuted, it was almost a lost cause.

Magu said this at an interactive session with media executives in Abuja on Wednesday.

“The way we are going we have already failed. I am telling you we have almost failed. It is almost lost. The battle against corruption is not only evil, it is a poison,” he said.‎

He however disclosed that the commission recovered about N409 billion between January and August, and that it secured 137 convictions nationwide within same period.

“Between January and August 30, 2017, the EFCC recovered N409,270,706,686.75; $69,501,156.67; 231,118.69 Pounds; 610,816.20 Euros; Dirham 443,400.00 and 70,500.00 Saudi Riyal,” he said.

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“Over a month ago, the commission recovered over N329billion from a group of oil marketers for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation”, Magu added.

The EFCC boss also expressed the resolve of the anti-graft agency to remain steadfast in the fight against corruption.

“In the area of prosecution of cases in court, we are also making progress despite the antics of some persons accused of grand corruption to delay trial,” he said.

He urged the media to see themselves as vital partners, noting that the EFCC could not win the war against corruption alone.

Magu also responded to media reports about his alleged strained relationship with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, as well as some other prominent public office holders, calling for a united front.

“From what we read in the papers these days, it is either somebody is fighting Magu or Magu is fighting other people.

“But seriously speaking, instead of fighting ourselves, we should be united in fighting the common enemy, which is corruption”, he said.

Magu added that he had no personal issues with anyone, explaining that “I am not after anybody and have no issues with anybody. Those who think they have issues with me will soon discover that I mean no harm.

“What drives me is the passion to do what is right by ensuring that we fight corruption to a standstill in this country.”

 

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