Fresh facts have emerged
regarding the suspension of Secretary to the Government of the Federation
(SGF), Babachir Lawal.
Lawal was meeting with the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, in
his office, when the Presidency suspended him.
There are speculations that the embattled SGF, was being
advised about the decision and told not to take it personal with President
Muhammadu Buhari.
It is understood that Lawal was reportedly suspended, because
Buhari is perceived to be losing his fight against corruption, with some of his
key appointees facing allegations from several quarters.
Osinbajo also told him pointedly that the outcome of the
investigation will determine his fate.
Recall that statement signed by Buhari’s Special Adviser on
Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina and made available to DAILY POST had
announced the suspension of the SGF.
The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered
an investigation into the allegations of violations of law and due process made
against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr David
Babachir Lawal, in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on
the North East (PINE).
“The President has also directed the suspension of the SGF
from office pending the outcome of the investigations.
“In a related development, the President has ordered a full
scale investigation into the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies
by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a residential
apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, over which the National Intelligence
Agency (NIA) has made a claim.
“The investigation is also to enquire into the circumstances
in which the NIA came into possession of the funds, how and by whose or which
authority the funds were made available to the NIA, and to establish whether or
not there has been a breach of the law or security procedure in obtaining
custody and use of the funds.
“The President has also directed the suspension of the
Director General of the NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke, pending the outcome of the
investigation.
“A three-man Committee comprising the Hon. Attorney-General
of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the National Security Adviser,
headed by the Vice President, is to conduct both investigations.
“The Committee is to submit its report to the President
within 14 days.
“The most senior Permanent Secretary in the SGF’s office,
and the most senior officer in the NIA, are to act, respectively, during the
period of investigation.”
Last month, Lawal insisted he was innocent of the allegations
leveled against him over the N1.3billion grass-cutting contract .
By Ifreke Inyang
