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Magu reveals ‘identity’ of those he found difficult to investigate on assumption as EFCC Chairman
Ibrahim Magu, the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday revealed those he found difficult investigating on assumption of office.
Magu disclosed that he found it difficult investigating some, “senior journalists and media owners” who were allegedly involved in the sharing of the funds meant for the fight against insurgency in the North East.
The acting Chairman of EFCC said this at the 68th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria, BON, in Abuja which was monitored by DAILY POST.
Magu noted that journalists should be partners with security agencies in the fight against corruption.
According to Magu, media practitioners who should help expose corruption have taken to the vice, in a bid to satisfy some of their alleged paymasters.
He said, “Corruption has made Nigeria a laughing stock among committee of nations. We have never been in doubt that checking corruption is the part way to escape from poverty in the country, this is the reason why successive administration made the fight against corruption a priority.
“The success has been mixed, while some of us are blaming past administrations for lacking the will to tackle corruption, I believe that we also share in the blame. As citizens and professionals, we have roles to play. The question is how effective have we played our roles?
“As media practitioners, how effective have we being in helping to fight corruption, the media occupy a unique place in the fight against corruption and impunity in Nigeria. As the fourth estate of realm, the media is the only profession that is constitutionally mandated to hold the nation’s leaders to account, but how has the media fared well in the discharge of this sacred mandate?
“The media has been in the vanguard of the liberation of democracy from the shackles of military dictatorship, but since the return to democracy in 1999, the experience as an observer, has been mixed, we have seen flashes of courageous reporting that have straightened our public accountability.
“Let the truth be told, there is no way law enforcement agencies can know about all cases of graft in the society. Journalists as investigators in their own right are supposed to help in exposing corruption and other societal ills, wherever they exist.
“Unfortunately, this is one area we have challenges, media practitioners that are supposed to help fight corruption have been swapped into malpractice.
“One of the difficult tasks I faced soon after I took over as acting Chairman of the EFCC was having to investigate senior journalists and media owners that partook in the monies meant for sharing of arms to fight insurgency in the North East.
“It was shocking that even those arraigned in court still feel they have done nothing wrong, it is difficult to understand the disposition of many media practitioners who are comfortable helping the corrupt to undermine the fight against corruption by attacking anti-corruption agencies.
“I’m not against critical review of anti-corruption fight if such arguments are based on facts. Journalists are supposed to be investigators like us by training but investigative reporting is less fancied these days as media practitioners pursue bread and butter issues.
“Journalists and journalism have been hijacked by those who have the means and sometimes they do stories to satisfy the needs of their paymasters.”
Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has disclosed that the nation’s oil and gas reserves have risen to 37.50 billion barrels as of January 1, 2024.
This marks an increase from the 37.046 billion barrels recorded in May 2022.
Komolafe emphasised the implementation of robust policies aimed at enhancing and optimising oil and gas operations across the country.
Notably, gas reserves stand at 102.59 trillion cubic feet (TCF), with non-associated gas reserves reaching 106.67 TCF, culminating in a total of 209.26 TCF of gas reserves.
Addressing concerns during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday regarding crude supply regulation and enforcement, Komolafe underscored the importance of prioritising feedstock supply to local refineries while addressing grievances from oil producers and the Dangote Refinery within specified timelines.
This announcement follows recent reports of a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production during February and March 2024.
According to data from the April 2024 Monthly Oil Market Report of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria’s crude oil production (excluding condensates) experienced its second consecutive monthly decrease, dropping to 1.231 million barrels per day in March from 1.322 million barrels per day in February.
OPEC attributed this decline, amounting to a reduction of 91,000 barrels per day, to factors communicated directly from Nigeria.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has commiserated with the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari over the loss of his mother, Alhaja Buhari.
The matriarch, who passed away on Monday, April 8, has left a void in the family that Oseni described as irreparable.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, and made available to newsmen, the lawmaker expressed his deep sympathy, praying for Alhaja Buhari to find eternal rest in the arms of God.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, urged Senator Buhari and his family to find solace in the legacy of achievements left behind by their late matriarch.
He emphasised the importance of cherishing the memories of her life and the successes attained by her children.
The statement read, “Distinguished Senator Buhari, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mama, Alhaja Buhari. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
“Alhaja was a pillar of strength and a source of love and guidance for your family and community. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“May you and your family find comfort and solace in the cherished memories you shared with her, and may the love and support of friends and well-wishers provide you with strength and courage in the days ahead.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through this time of grief”, Oseni continued.
As Muslims globally observe Eid-el-Fitr, signifying the conclusion of the Ramadan fast, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called upon Nigerians to prioritise nation-building efforts during this festive period.
Oseni, in a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, emphasised the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the nation’s development agenda.
He highlighted the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community solidarity.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us not forget the critical task of nation-building that lies before us. Nigeria’s progress depends on our ability to work together, transcend divisions, and build a cohesive society,” the lawmaker stated.
The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to set aside differences and focus on common goals that promote peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity.
Emphasising the need for inclusivity, Oseni encouraged citizens to actively participate in initiatives aimed at fostering national cohesion and development.
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