President
Muhammadu Buhari has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to probe even his own children or
members of his family implicated in corrupt practices. He said he would
not forgive the anti-graft agency if it fails to probe any allegation of
corruption against his children and family members.
A
sketch of Buhari’s tough anti-corruption mindset and plans was contained
in a book, “Muhammadu Buhari: The challenges of leadership in Nigeria”,
which is authored by Prof. John Paden.
The book reveals how Buhari inspired the acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu as a school boy to develop anti-graft traits.
It adds:
“Buhari’s
attitude is to let the chips fall where they may in particular cases,
although reform of the judiciary is one of his larger goals “Buhari has
often said that if any of his own children were accused of corruption,
and the authorities did not investigate, he would never forgive the
authorities.”
It was also learnt that the President has
rebuffed pressure to save his allies in the All Progressives
Congress(APC) from being probed by anti-graft agencies.
In
spite of their close family ties, it was learnt that President
Muhammadu Buhari has failed to save the former National Security
Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki because his policy is that there should be no
sacred cows in the anti-corruption war.
It was also
revealed for the first time that Buhari does not have any grudge against
Dasuki despite the latter’s involvement in the August 1985 coup, which
led to the former’s removal as a military head of state.
“On
numerous occasions, Buhari has urged public officials to do their duty
without fear or favour. He has also tried to inspire younger generations
to regard public service as an honest calling.
“For
example, the current acting head of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was a schoolboy
in Borno when Buhari was military governor in 1975. Buhari gave a talk
to a group of boys that included Magu and urged them to do their best.
“Magu was inspired and became a professional policeman.
“In
2015, Buhari asked Magu to head the EFCC, a dangerous job if done well.
By mid-May 2016, Magu had secured 143 convictions of corrupt
officials.”
Unknown to many, the book has revealed how
Buhari resisted pressure to save his allies in APC from being arrested
or prosecuted for corruption.
