Senate gets 2-weeks ultimatum to confirm Magu, declares budget

The Senate has been given two weeks ultimatum to start process leading to the confirmation of acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, and as well make the National Assembly’s budget known to the public

A petition signed by sixteen different Civil Society organizations dated 21st February, 2017 and addressed to the Senate President on the platform of the Civil Society Network against Corruption (CSNAC) also urged the red chamber to the principal officers of the Senate to show commitment to transparency and accountability by publicly declaring their assets.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, one of the signatories to the petition, Olanrewaju Suraju, said if their demands are not met in two weeks the upper Chambers would face the wrath of Nigerians.

“One of the cardinal objectives of the current government of which you are a principal officer is the fight against corruption. You will agree that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is central to the government’s anti-corruption effort.

“As the leader of a Senate that has on several occasions expressed its commitment to the war against corruption, it is important that you put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure that the issue of a substantive chairman for the EFCC is dealt with as expeditiously and transparently as possible. Expedite the passage of the Special Crimes Courts Bill and other anti-corruption related bills”.

The group also demanded “urgent status declaration of pensions and gratuities received by former Governors and their Deputies presently in the Red Chamber and receiving multiple housing and transportation allowances both as former state executives and serving Senators”.

The rights group, however, urged the Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, to set example by making his declaration of asset public.

According to Suraju, “The Senate has been accused of maintaining a bloated budget. Considering the prevailing economic situation in the country, we urge it to do an immediate review of its budget and spending, streamlining it in consonance with not only the present realities of the country but the everyday living conditions of majority of Nigerians”.

He recalled that through individual citizens and coalitions of civil society organizations, Nigerians have for a long time been expressing desire for a National Assembly that is responsive, responsible and fully accountable to the people whose interests the members ought to represent.