ALHAJI Tanko Yakassai, Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, to a former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to re-present the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, for screening and confirmation by the National Assembly.
He said any attempt to do so might cause friction and unhealthy political situation between the executive and the legislative arms of government.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, Alhaji Yakassai said for the Senate to have rejected the nomination of Magu as EFCC boss, it had acted in accordance with the provision of the constitution, noting that the provision empowered the president to nominate whoever he wanted to occupy a position, while the same constitution also gave power to the National Assembly to screen and confirm such appointee.
According to him, the National Assembly equally possessed the power, in accordance with the same constitution, to screen and confirm such nomination if members were convinced that he merited the position, in terms of competence and other requirements, but if found wanting, such a nomination could be rejected.
“If the resident eventually goes further to present Mr Magu to the lawmakers for screening, it will not only create political crisis, acrimony and tension between the executive and the lawmakers, but also would not augur well for the democratic setting of the country.
“I do not think the president will do that, either to resubmit Mr Magu’s name for screening to the National Assembly for confirmation or allow him to continue in acting capacity as EFCC boss. If he does that, it will not help the smooth relationship between the president and the National Assembly particularly the Senate,” he said.
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