A former presidential candidate of the National Action Council (NAC), Dr. Olapade Agoro yesterday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to shun pressure to replace the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu.
He said those behind the plot to remove Magu were out to mess up Buhari’s anti-corruption agenda.
He recommended urgent establishment of tribunals to try all the suspects that have been investigated by the EFCC.
Agoro, who spoke with our correspondent in Abuja, said those behind violent and militant groups were the rich who had been uncomfortable with the anti-corruption drive of the President.
He said: “The removal of the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu at this particular time will only send wrong signals of lack of seriousness of this administration to fight corruption. President Muhammadu Buhari should not bow to pressure from those scheming to get Magu out
“Those agitating for Magu’s removal are confused. They are aiming high to throw destructive spanner in the wheel of Buhari’s anti-corruption.
“The sudden removal of the former Chairman of EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu left the commission clueless for years until Magu came in. It is obvious that with Buhari in power, Magu cannot play any devil’s workshop game.
Agoro also said the anti-graft war is winnable if the President can take a bold initiative to allow tribunals to handle all the outstanding cases.
“We need special tribunals to try all the suspects that have been investigated by the EFCC. Otherwise, we will not go far because most of the suspects will allow their cases to drag in the court,” he added.
On Buhari’s performance, Agoro said the President meant well if Nigerians will allow him to perform.
“Buhari can turn things around if Nigerians will allow him. Buhari cannot perform better than what Nigerians will allow him to do.”