Appeal court’s ruling on Magu’s illegal tenure vindicates 8th Senate — Saraki

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said a recent Court of Appeal ruling declaring Ibrahim Magu’s prolonged tenure as acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission unlawful has vindicated the decision of the 8th Senate to reject his confirmation.

Saraki stated this in a Facebook post on Tuesday, recalling that the Senate, under his leadership, rejected Magu’s nomination as substantive EFCC chairman twice in 2016 and 2017.

According to him, the Senate’s position at the time was based on its constitutional responsibility and not political considerations, despite criticism from some quarters.

“It wasn’t. We were simply exercising our constitutional duty and standing by what was right,” Saraki said.

He added that the decision came at a personal cost to members of the 8th Senate, their families and associates, alleging that they were subjected to pressure and intimidation during the period.

Saraki said the Court of Appeal’s ruling had now confirmed the Senate’s position nearly a decade after the controversy.

“Yesterday, the Court of Appeal ruled that Magu’s prolonged tenure as acting EFCC Chairman was indeed unlawful. Nearly a decade later, I feel vindicated yet again,” he said.

He said the development reinforced the importance of standing by one’s convictions despite pressure, adding that time could test people’s principles but would eventually reveal the value of doing what they believed was right.