Ali Wakili, senator representing Bauchi south, says the rejection of Ibrahim Magu’s nomination by the senate was done “in the interest of the Nigerian state”.

Wakili said this on Friday in reaction to a statement credited to Itse Sagay, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption.

Speaking at a legislative and media roundtable organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Wakili said nobody loves Nigeria as much as the senate.

“These are eminent Nigerians saying that whether we like it or not Magu is going to be there,” she said.

“Is he trying to blackmail us or not? We took the issue purely in the interest of the Nigerian state. Nobody loves Nigeria more than us.”

On Thursday, Sagay said the appointment of Magu would be “renewed” whether he is confirmed by the senate or not.

“Since Nuhu Ribadu left, we have not had a man with such sterling qualities as Ibrahim Magu and whether they like it or not, Magu will be there until he completes his term under the law,” Sagay had said.

Magu has acted as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman for about a year.