Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the recent Court of Appeal judgment declaring Ibrahim Magu’s prolonged tenure as acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) unlawful has vindicated the position taken by the eighth Senate under his leadership.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday overturned a 2019 Federal High Court judgment concerning Magu’s continued stay as acting EFCC chairman. A three-member panel ruled that his prolonged tenure in an acting capacity was unlawful.

Mikel Arteta Agrees New Arsenal Contract Extension

Reacting to the judgment in a post on his X account on Tuesday, Saraki recalled that the eighth Senate rejected Magu’s nomination as substantive EFCC chairman twice, in 2016 and 2017. Despite the rejections, Magu continued to serve as acting chairman until July 2020.

Saraki said the Senate’s position had been criticised at the time, with some accusing lawmakers of acting for political reasons. He maintained that the Senate was exercising what it considered its constitutional responsibility by refusing to confirm Magu.

The former Senate President also alleged that he, members of the eighth Senate, their families and associates faced what he described as attempts by Magu to “terrorize” them following the Senate’s position on his nomination.

The legal dispute began after Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi challenged Magu’s continued stay in office, arguing that he could not remain indefinitely as acting EFCC chairman after his nomination had been rejected twice. The Federal High Court dismissed the case in 2019, holding that the EFCC Act did not prescribe a specific period for an acting chairman to remain in office. Jideobi subsequently appealed the judgment.

Following Monday’s ruling, Saraki said the Court of Appeal’s decision had reinforced the position taken by the eighth Senate nearly a decade ago. He added that his experience in public office had reinforced his belief in standing by one’s convictions despite criticism.