Ibrahim Magu has shown by his excellent scorecard that there are still good, disciplined and dedicated officers in the Nigeria Police

Ben Okezie

It’s rather uncommon in Nigeria for a man or agency to be unanimously appreciated, even when the facts are very obvious. The bane is the “bring them down syndrome.” The only time a man in the eyes of the public does something appreciable is when he is doing something that is personally appreciated, which of course may not be in tandem with others’ views. This criticism changes immediately ethnic or religious colorations are ascribed to the issue. That has been the cross carried by every head of the anti-graft agency known as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Every of their operation is taken with a pinch of salt, probably because the suspect in the eyes of the storm is either of another religion or ethnic group.

READ ALSO: EFCC arraigns ex-banker over alleged N8.7m fraud

By reaffirming the code of ethics of the Commission before local and foreign media that they would continue to put God first; noting that the interest of Nigerians was non-negotiable in all their operations; that, in the fight against corruption, the Commission, as a creation of the law, will continue to act within the ambit of the law.

The EFCC boss further reintegrated that the Commission would continue to be politically neutral in its operations and will go after anybody or institution that we sufficiently believe to have a case to answer; adding that the Commission, under his watch, will never shield anyone from investigation and prosecution, in accordance with the law.

The war against corrupt public office holders can be similar to the war against terrorists. Both are ideologically promoted, while one is religiously inclined, the other is an economic ideology that has the semblance of opium-propelled economic greed. No wonder both are vicious when exposed and can go to any length to emasculate their avowed detractor. The recent mercenary operation by unknown armed men to abduct an investigator of the Commission at the gate of their old headquarters in Wuse, Abuja, is a clear example of the desperation of corrupt persons to fight back. When Mrs. Farida Waziri, the former head of the Commission, raised the alarm during her tenure that, “Corruption is fighting back,” many did not take her seriously, mostly because of the apathy against the Commission that it was crying wolf where there was none. Corruption personified is dangerous not only to the economy but to the overall welfare of the nation.

It was very obvious that even as Magu was beating his chest before the group of erudite journalists that, in three years, he and his personnel have been able to secure over 158 convictions and still forging ahead to secure more. Yet, many Nigerians are still not impressed. The Commission should know that the war is not a personal war and they are not there to dance to the wishes of some people who have the money to buy as many consciences as possible and could sway opinions to their evil acts. Corruption, to me, is a destroyer and there are bits of corruption in almost every Nigerian, or how do you explain the scenario that a man known to be wretched, suddenly joined a political party and was given an appointment only to become larger than life with scores of houses in choice areas in the country and outside the country? Such a man would fight dirty, if exposed for prosecution. He has the money to bribe journalists and can sway judgement to his benefit. Should we fold our hands and leave the EFCC alone in this hazardous task and journey, instead of collaborating with them? Recently, their Harper Crescent office in Zone 7 Area of Abuja was attacked by gunmen and vehicles there were riddled with bullets, while the attack was repelled. Also Magu’s farmhouse was attacked and a security guard shot dead. In Rivers State, an officer of the Commission handling several investigations was shot dead in the cause of his duty. Many officers of the Commissions have either received death threats or been attacked by hoodlums. These are the sad and unfortunate part of their operations they hardly cry over.

READ ALSO: Ibrahim Magu’s scorecard

Today, our government, in its bit to be economically stable, has reached out to China. The question is, can Nigeria sacrifice like the Chinese? Can we agree with the government like the Chinese to run underground every known corrupt person and practice? Today, the Chinese don’t treat corrupt officials with kid gloves. Only recently, one of their ministers found guilty of corruption was sent to gaol. No one brought up any discordant tune of religion or ethnicity against the action.

Corruption has eaten so deep into every facet of the country that even religious houses are not helping the issue. Despite the multiplication of churches and mosques in every nook and cranny of the country, corrupt tendencies remain unabated. The lust for illegal money continues to attract many.

Another area of achievement by the Commission that need to be commended is the tracking of election financing, which has made our ingenious politicians to device other means like the proverbial village hunter who swore not to aim before shooting having noticed that the “eleke” bird has devised a new style to fly without perching.

Related News

Interestingly, the EFCC delving into election funding by politicians, tracking security votes with the judiciary is another bold step with an expansive reach in investigation. Only men and women of good conscience will appreciate the efforts of the Commission under lbrahim Magu. His singular effort in ensuring the completion of the new EFCC headquarters in Abuja speaks volumes about his zeal and leadership qualities; no wonder, despite his rejection by the Senate, the President still has implicit confidence in his ability.

To be candid, this writer is not a fan of the current government, but as it is mandatory, this column will always critically appraise all security issues in the land and applaud those who did well and in the same token lambast those that are cogs in the wheel of security progress in the land.

The two issues l applaud this administration for are the effort in fighting Boko Haram terrorists and their avowed fight against corruption.

Not until the excruciating pain of corruption on the economy and its famishing grip on the populace ar eradicated, can its deadly effect be better appreciated by all. Indeed, Ibrahim Magu has shown by his excellent scorecard that there are still good, disciplined and dedicated officers in the Nigerian Police!

READ ALSO: Nigerian Police Broadcasting service will enhance security, safety – Edirin Wesley

(Concluded)

_______________________

Congratulations!!!

SECURITY FILE heartily congratulates four of our senior police readers on their recent promotion to the enviable rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police.

They are :
DIG Peace Ibekwe Abdallah,

DIG Maigari Abbati Dikko, DIG Habila Joshak, and
DIG Mohammed Sani Usman. May God see you through.