Govs, Senators, corrupt elite fingered in rally against Magu

.Rally organisers planned to vandalise EFCC Hqrts during Magu’s absence -Source

Strong indications emerged on Sunday night that the recent rally organised by a group, GLOCCOLAC, against the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, was sponsored and financed by certain influential individuals to thwart the fight against graft.

Members of GLOCCOLAC, who wore branded T-shits with different inscriptions, had stormed the headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja and demanded the removal of Magu.

But a reliable source who spoke on the motive behind the rally, confided in The Daily Times that the rally was sponsored by certain governors, some senators and influential personalities who are either being tried by the EFCC or on its watch list.

The source, who sought anonymity as the matter is under investigation, added that the sponsors of the rally were aware that Magu was outside the country, saying that the protesters had been directed to vandalise the EFCC headquarters to erroneously prove that Magu is not fit for the job.

The source said: “But we know their game plans. And that was why we directed the security operatives to be circumspect in dealing with them as they really provoked the operatives during their protest.

“Don’t forget that they have been directed to vandalise our office to show disappointment since Magu was outside the county at that time.

“Just imagine protesters in the front of the EFCC Headquarters shouting in front of our operatives and demanding that Magu must quit with different posters.

“But our operatives were calm during the rally because we knew that they were sponsored.

“At the time of the protest, Magu was in Malawi where he and others were attending the Heads of Anti-Corruption Meeting in Commonwealth where crucial issues on war against corruption were being discussed.”

The source, who spoke in confidence, further stated that,” We know that some governors are not happy over our investigation on Paris Club refunds.

“Many of them employed consultants who did not do any work but diverted certain staggering amount in the name of paying consultants.

“You will recall that a certain consultant went to court to claim that he was not paid but some cronies were paid for doing nothing. Though the parties have also explored out of court settlement on the matter, we are painstakingly doing our job on the issue.

“We also have petitions of financial crimes, diversion of state funds and misappropriation against some of the sponsors and they are aware that we are closing on them.”

But the source further disclosed that no amount of distraction would prevent the EFCC from stopping some cabals who are bent on taking over the country.

He said: “We have a message for certain cabals in this country. We know that they have sworn to get back at Magu. But they are on the watch list of the EFCC. Certain cartels who are on the verge of taking over Nigeria will fail. Ordinary Nigerians support our crusade.
Only the corrupt elite and their cronies are against us.

“But we are not deterred by their infamous action of sponsoring rally at a time when all the stakeholders are looking for ways to end recession and develop the country. We have to liberate this country and it is a task that must be done.”