The presidential investigative panel headed by Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo on the suspension of Secretary to the Government of the
Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir Lawal, and Director General of the National
Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, has invited governor of the Central
Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
He will answer questions on the $43 million, N23 million and
£27,000 recovered from a flat at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Recall that Osinbajo committee which has the
Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami and National Security
Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), as members, had requested Lawal and
Oke to produce certain documents.
Also summoned are officials of the National Petroleum
Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).
They are expected to explain the funds released to NIA in
February 2015.
NAPIMS, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
(NNPC), was said to have released $289,202,382 to NIA for “covert” operations.
The NNPC will also face the panel to explain its role in the
money transfer.
Similarly, NIA officials have been asked to appear to shed
light of what the money was needed for, how part of it was used, why the choice
of Ikoyi Towers as safe house, among others.
DAILY POST further gathered that Osinbajo panel has summoned
all the contractors and consultants who handled different jobs under the
Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE).
The controversy surrounding the PINE contracts caused the
suspension of Lawal.
At the weekend, Osinbajo panel assured that in the discharge
of its work, it would invite all relevant officials and private individuals who
may be connected to both cases.
It vowed to obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw
some light on the issues raised in both cases.
The panel added that all its proceedings will be in closed
sessions to avoid speculations and enhance the pace of proceedings.
The panel will submit its report to President Muhammadu
Buhari at the expiration of the 14-day deadline.
By Wale Odunsi
