THE INSIDER: Magu not confirmed because a ‘damning’ DSS report labelled him ‘corrupt’

The decision of the senate to reject the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was based on a security report by Lawal Daura, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to a senior national assembly official, “the damning” report was addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President Bukola Saraki.

“The report is 16 pages and it is damning. It basically gives reasons why Magu is not fit to be EFCC chairman,” he said.

“The acting EFCC chairman is alleged to possess undeclared pieces of property. He is alleged to be corrupt, and a gross violator of human rights.”

The official concluded by saying “the senate cannot act outside the report”.

Last Thursday, the senate had deferred the confirmation hearing Magu — after initially delaying the exercise for five months.

In July, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had forwarded Magu’s name to the senate for confirmation.

At the time, President Muhammadu Buhari was on a 10-day vacation in London.

But the senate did not consider or confirm the appointment of the EFCC boss, fuelling speculations of cutthroat wrangling between him and some key figures in Buhari’s government who want him out of the way.

He was to be screened alongside the board members of the anti-graft agency — Nasule Moses, Lawan Maman, Garandaji Imam Naji and Adeleke Adebayo Rafiu.

Buhari appointed Magu in November 2015 to succeed Ibrahim Lamorde, who was removed as EFCC chairman under controversial circumstances.