Lawyers: Presidency right to back Magu

Some lawyers yesterday backed the Presidency’s decision to allow Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remain in office despite the Senate’s refusal to confirm him.

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Second Vice President Monday Ubani and Lagos lawyer Tope Alabi said the Presidency’s position is legally correct and that Magu can continue to act as EFCC chair.

But, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abiodun Owonikoko, said either the executive or the legislature should approach the Supreme Court for an interpretation of what he described as a legal problem.

He said he could not reconcile the fact that the executive would send names to the Senate for confirmation, and when the person is rejected, retain the person in acting capacity.

Owonikoko said either of the parties could ask the Supreme Court to resolve the “serious matter” since both arms are insisting they are right.

Ubani said the Presidency’s position may be legally correct, but not politically savvy.

The Nation, April 13, 2017

 

 

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