Nigerian president resubmits name of anti-graft chief

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday re-submitted the name of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency chief for confirmation, weeks after his confirmation was abruptly cancelled by lawmakers amid allegations of corruption against the nominee.

The Senate said it could not confirm Ibrahim Magu due to a corruption indictment.

In a letter to senators, Buhari said Magu was “not guilty” of the corruption allegations and should be considered for confirmation but did not give any further details.

The president had directed the justice minister to investigate the claims against Magu and Government Secretary Babachir Lawal, who is accused of misappropriated funds meant for victims of Boko Haram.

He also rejected lawmakers’ calls for Lawal’s dismissal and said he had not been given a fair hearing by the committee that indicted him.

However, the Senate appeared uncomfortable with Buhari’s clearance of Lawal. A senator from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Shehu Sani, said: “It is shocking to me that such a letter can come from the presidency with such misinformation and outright distortions.”

The Senate has yet to comment officially on the request for Magu’s confirmation. His rejection in December had raised fears about the future of Buhari’s anti-graft crusade as many insisted Magu was a victim of influential figures facing corruption charges, such as Senate Chairman Bukola Saraki.