.…Slams Embargo On Confirmation Of Presidential Nominees Until Magu Is Fired
The Senate, Tuesday, threatened Acting President Yemi Osinbajo with impeachment over his vehement refusal to adhere strictly with legislative decisions taken by the parliament concerning Mr. Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and went ahead to slam embargo on confirmation of Presidential nominees until Magu is fired.
The Acting President irked the legislature following the continuous retention of Ibrahim Magu in office as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against his rejection by the senate while at the same time, expecting the Senate to confirm other nominees for some other positions.
Acting President Osinbajo had his letter to the senator Tuesday requesting for the confirmation of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila as the Chairman of National Lottery Commission and read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate President, Mr. Bukola Saraki.
But lawmakers reacted angrily to the letter as everyone who spoke on it castigated the Acting President for deriding the Senate in public, but coming secretly to pacify the upper chamber.
While condemning Osinbajo for the comment, the lawmakers asked that an embargo be placed on confirmation of executive appointments pending the time the powers of the legislature had been recognised.
The lawmakers threatened that they might move against the leadership of the Senate should it failed to take a drastic action against the executive in 48 hours saying that henceforth invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to any member should be ignored.
In taking a firm decision on the matter, Senate President, Mr. Bukola Saraki warned that “appropriate actions” will be taken against the Acting President if he refused to do the needful.
Osinbajo had said in March asserted that the Senate lacks the power to reject anyone nominated for appointment by the presidency, and therefore, the presidency will not sack Ibrahim Magu as demanded by the Senate.
HardReporters recalled that the Senate had on March 25, this year rejected Magu as substantive chairman of EFCC, but is still being kept in office as Acting Chairmen months after he was rejected by the Senate which found him unworthy of being the substantive chairman of the commission after taking him through the mandatory and constitutionally specified screening exercise.
