The need to cover the skeleton in the cupboard of its members made the National Assembly, NASS, under the leadership of Dr. Bukola Saraki, prevented the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
This is the position of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
The traditional ruler made the remark on the 8th NASS on Thursday when a delegation of the EFCC from Ibadan zonal office, led by Mr Friday Ebelo visited him in his palace.
The delegation was on a sensitisation campaign.
His words: “The Eighth National Assembly tried; they did everything possible not to get Magu appointed. Why? It was because they had skeletons in their cupboards.”
The traditional ruler said the efforts of the anti-graft body was commendable.
According to him, the amount of stolen wealth recovered by the commission was a confirmation of the success recorded so far.
He said the commission deserved the support of Nigerians to achieve greater success.
“We must encourage you; we must support you and cooperate with you; otherwise, corruption will kill Nigeria.
“The fear of EFCC is leading some looters to several parts of the world. But you are after them. You are getting them. There is no hiding place for them.
“Through you, I want to commend Ibrahim Magu for a job well done,” he said.
Speaking during the visit, the head of the delegation, Ebelo, said the EFCC needed the support of traditional rulers for effective prosecution of the war against corruption.
He said the commission was certain that with the help of the traditional leaders, the message of the fight against corruption would get to the generality of the people.
“The EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, is visiting the Alaafin of Oyo on behalf of EFCC acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to rally the traditional institution’s support in the fight against corruption and other issues cropping up in recent times.
“It is our duty to work hard and ensure a society where we will be proud of our young ones. This is the kind of the enlightenment campaign the EFCC is embarking on aggressively.
“It is a fight that belongs to all of us. We are just in the forefront and we are privileged to be. We are the foot soldiers,” he said.
