Falana Condemns Senate Rejection of Magu

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, has criticised the Senate’s rejection of Mr Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mr Falana described the rejection, based on a security report by the State Security Service, as the height of official ridicule of the office of the President.

According to the human rights lawyer, “It is high time the State Security Service was restrained by President Buhari from sabotaging the fight against corruption by the Federal Government”.

He also said the confirmation hearing hurriedly conducted on Wednesday was illegal, citing the participation of many senators who are either under investigation or being prosecuted by the EFCC.

He described it as a contravention of the Rules of the Senate which stipulates that matters which are sub judice shall not be discussed by the Senate.

Mr Falana, however, noted some other options open to the President.

“Mr Magu’s nomination may be re-presented to the Senate if and when the Federal Government decides to put its house in order.

“Alternatively, the President may allow Mr Magu to remain the Acting Chairman of the EFCC since he was appointed in that capacity pursuant to section 171 of the Constitution.

“But if the President is not satisfied with Mr Magu’s performance, he is at liberty to appoint another person whose nomination will be forwarded to the Senate in accordance with section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act, 2004.”

Akeredolu Takes Oath of Office as Ondo State Governor

The elected governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu  of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was today sworn-in as the successor of Olusegun Mimiko as the Executive governor of Ondo State, Nigeria.

He was sworn-in along with his deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice O. Sanda.

His inauguration ceremony was well-attended by the people of the state, state governors, members of the National Assembly led by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, APC stalwarts including the national chairman; John Odigie-Oyegun, and the national leader of the party; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Others include Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, Minister of Mines and Steel, Kayode Fayemi among others.

Akeredolu in his inaugural speech, praised the President, Muhammadu Buhari and all that contribute to his emergence as the governor of Ondo State. He also promises to deliver on his campaign five cardinal campaign promises. He said
"This blueprint is anchored on five cardinal programmes, which are popularly known as our Platforms for Change (JMPPR). These are: 
1. Job creation through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation. 
2. Massive Infrastructural development and maintenance. 
3. Provision of functional Education and Technological growth. 
4. Provision of Accessible and Qualitative Health care and social service delivery. 
5. Rural Development and Community Extension services".