In the journey towards becoming the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari clearly made himself the poster child for change in government behaviour. One would even say his name became the synonym for anti-corruption and transparency in government which many felt at the time was greatly lacking in the country.
In retrospect, it was indeed evident that the predominant animosity accorded to corrupt practices by countrymen was justified as it had become so endemic that hopes for transparency in the Nigerian system was at best described as “a wish of the naive” and so buying into the gospel according to a man well known for zero tolerance for such acts seemed like a no brainer. A belief he doubled down on in his 2015 inaugural speech as he set the tone for a fresh start with no sacred cows. Everyone remembers that he said and I quote “I am for nobody and I am for everybody”. A line few people now strongly disagree with for reasons they have linked to overt nepotism.
Those who make this argument also feel that the current administration’s track record with court judgements or transparency in government has not been encouraging just as the latest transparency international’s corruption perception index confirm.
The reason for paying an august visit to this issue and the many allegations against this administration for not playing fair game, is due to the handling of the case involving the former Acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu who was accused of corrupt practices amongst other things.
The reason why this is a problem is because President Buhari had received a report of the investigations and findings of the Ayo Salami led- panel that thoroughly probed Mr. Magu more than three months ago but still has not published it for the public to see. The government went ahead to nominate and confirm Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa as the new Head of the EFCC irrespective of what stares everyone in the face.
After photos of Mr. Bawa addressing his staff under the scorching sun went viral on social media yesterday, it hit the subconsciousness of many concerned citizens that we still cannot say as a matter of fact, if the allegations levelled against Mr. Magu were true or a fabrication born of a witchhunt many linked to a rumoured rift with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
If the man president Buhari chose to lead the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision, against the wishes of many his party members who stood in unison with the opposition to reject him twice at the senate had indeed commited even half of the crimes he had be accused of, are we not suppose to know? Should the details of the Ayo Salami-led panel not be out in the public in the interest of transparency or the fight against corruption? Are those who say they perceive a cover up correct?
Are we just meant to move on as facts, fiction and hearsay continues to hang in the air concerning this matter?
Albert Einstein once said that in matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.
We deserve to know the facts of this particular matter.