By Chizoba Ogbeche
Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun a search on influential Nigerians linked with corrupt practices with and outside the country.
In this case, the commission averred that it would soon begin arrest of those whose names are already in the list of suspect in the commission’s headquarters.
Chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu, assured that those arrested, would face prosecution as the commission had been fully reinvigorated to fight corruption in the country.
Magu, yesterday told a forum of online and broadcast media managers, that he was appointed as acting chairman of the EFCC, he had undertaken the re-ordering of the agency’s priorities for effective implementation of its mandate.
“The effect of this, which is obvious for all to see, is the investigation, arrest and prosecution of some of the most powerful forces in Nigeria, who have questions to answer on their stewardship whilst in office.
“A former National Security Adviser, former ministers, former governors, serving and retired military men, a media mogul and several others, are among those we have called to answer critical questions concerning the management of our commonwealth.
“As we speak, many more influential Nigerians are on the radar of the EFCC and in the coming weeks, they would have their days in court and Nigerians will be kept fully abreast of the results of our investigations,” Magu said.
The EFCC boss said in carrying out the mandate of the commission, he had been guided by the “fear of God, national interest and the rule of law”.
Magu said apart from bringing corrupt public officers to justice, the EFCC under his leadership is determined, in line with the stance of the current administration under President Muhammadu Buhari to send “unmistakable message” to everyone that no Nigerian shall be regarded as above the law or treated as sacred cow as far as the fight against corruption is concerned.
The EFCC chairman, however, said the commission cannot succeed in carrying out its mandate without the support of the media.
“By far more inspirational is the political will of Mr. President to fight corruption. This unbending will, which some now call body language has given the needed traction to the anti-graft campaign,” he said.
Magu said Buhari’s resolve to fight corruption in Nigeria was underlined by his comments during his maiden media chat last Wednesday where he swore not to spare anyone found to be corrupt.
He added that the president’s resolve was complemented by that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, who, during the last All Nigerian Judges’ Conference, declared unwavering support for the war on corruption.