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Tag: Babachir Lawal

  • N5bn PINE contracts: Ex-SGF Lawal faces more hurdles as EFCC grants him bail

    N5bn PINE contracts: Ex-SGF Lawal faces more hurdles as EFCC grants him bail

    Despite securing bail reprieve last night, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir Lawal is facing fresh hurdles over all contracts awarded by the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE).

    He is expected to account for contracts worth over N5billion which were awarded by PINE under his control as the final approving authority.

    It was also learnt that the EFCC has also quizzed the younger brother to the ex-SGF, Mr. Hamidu Lawal, who took over the running of Rholavision Engineering Limited after following the appointment of Babachir.

    More than 30 companies are also under probe in connection with alleged massive fraud in PINE including a N200million contract awarded to Rholavision for the clearing of ‘invasive plant species’ (weeds) in Yobe State

    A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “In the last 48 hours, the ex-SGF has made many statements on some of the over N5billion contracts awarded by PINE. He was not detained because of the N200million ‘invasive plant species’ contract alone.

    “Preliminary investigation showed that the ex-SGF was the final approving authority for all the contracts awarded by PINE. He had say in virtually all the contracts and those given the jobs.

    “What happened was that initially PINE was placed under the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA) headed by the National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno(rtd). But the NSA said such a responsibility has nothing to do with his office.

    “The government now moved PINE to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) because it has more than seven permanent secretaries that could make the coordination of the North-East Initiative smoother.

    “Findings however revealed that the ex-SGF assumed the role of the approving leading to some questionable contracts, diversion and under-delivery of services.

    “Since the former SGF was central to all the over N5billion contracts awarded, he has to account for how he came about his decisions. So, he was questioned about the N200m contract for the clearing of ‘invasive plant species’ (weeds) in Yobe State and others.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Some of the contracts being looked into had to do with rebuilding and renovation of schools in Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi and Borno states. Others border on the supply of food and relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons in Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba sates.

    “We have interrogated Mr. Hamidu Lawal, who is  a younger brother to the ex-SGF, and we are probing more than 30 companies in respect of some of the contracts “purportedly executed” by PINE. There are more than 40 individuals implicated in the PINE scandal.

    “Most of the contracts that landed most of these people and companies in trouble were awarded in March 2016. But we started our investigation towards the end of 2016.

    “But the probe of the scandal by a Presidential Committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made us to stay action for a while. And the report of the committee is useful to our investigation.”

    As at press time, the ex-SGF was perfecting his bail conditions at the EFCC headquarters.

    Another source added: “The former SGF has been granted bail, we have approved his release. He is expected to come intermittently for interrogation from next week. His movement is also restricted to the country pending the conclusion of investigation.”

  • EFCC releases ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal

    EFCC releases ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released detained former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal.

    A source in the commission told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Lawal was released on administrative bail on Friday evening.

    The source, however, did not give further details.

    Lawal was detained by the EFCC on Wednesday morning after he honoured an invitation to the commission’s head office in Abuja.

    When NAN contacted the Public Relations Officer of the Commission,  Mr Samin Amaddin on the issue, he said he was not aware.

    The development followed Lawal’s sack by President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 30.

    Buhari’s action was based on the recommendation of a presidential panel that probed misuse of funds meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East.

    The former SGF is accused of using his company Rholavision Engineering Ltd to corner a N200 million contract for the clearing of “evasive plant species’’ in Yobe. (NAN)

  • Senate celebrate sack of former SGF

    Senate celebrate sack of former SGF

    The Senate says sack of former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, has vindicated its position on investigation carried out by its Ad hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East.

    It urged other committees charged with the responsibility of investigating other alleged corrupt matters in the country to expedite action and report to the Senate for further action.

    This followed a Point of Order by the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Sen. Bala Na’Allah, at plenary on Tuesday.

    Quoting Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rule, 2015 as amended, Na’ Allah said efforts by some disgruntled Nigerians to drag the name of the Senate in the mud had been defeated.

    He said: “As a leader, I am proud of this Senate and I believe in the integrity of every senator in this assembly.

    “We cannot claim not to know that between yesterday and today there has been official confirmation of a new SGF and termination of appointment of the former SGF.

    “If we religiously keep to the oath of office taken, those who try to bring down the image of the Senate will continue to watch God vindicate us.

    “The issue surrounding the termination of the appointment of the former SGF emanated from this 8th Senate and today we have been vindicated.

    Also, the issue of Maina emanated from this Senate. Can we now not have the authority to shout a sound of vindication,’’ he said.

    The leader of the Senate said the resolve of the red chamber of the National Assembly to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption and in defence of the constitution would continue no matter the distraction.

    “Section 80 sub-sections 2b, says the powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling it to make laws within its legislative competence.

    “The powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are also exercisable to correct any defects in existing laws and expose corruption or inefficiency.

    “When we started this crusade, the same Nigerians we were fighting for, became gullible and were sponsored to close the gate of the National Assembly in the name of ‘Occupy NASS’.

    “Every conceivable thing was done to bring down the name of this assembly, individually and collectively. In fact, some of us were called names in the social media,’’ he said.

    The lawmaker urged his colleagues to bear in mind that the task before them in the protection of constitution and the laws of the federation was a huge one.

    He expressed his unfettered commitment to the Senate.

    He, however, called for expedited action on other investigations pending before committees of the Senate.

    He urged Nigerians not to fall for any form of manipulation by some unpatriotic Nigerians, adding that “it does them no good to embark on degradation of institutions, especially the national assembly.

    “Those who found wisdom in spending money to spread falsehood to demean the national assembly should know that they are doing no good to the over 170 million Nigerians we represent.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for heeding to the call of the Senate.

    He said though it was difficult for Nigerians to believe the position of the Senate in the investigation, he was elated that its position was vindicated by the sack of the former SGF.

    “It was a very tough journey ensuring that we continued to defend the integrity of this institution.

    “I want to commend the president for doing what is right.

    “When we started it was more of blackmail but the right thing has been done and we will continue to adhere to our commitment to non-selective fight against corruption.

    “I want to say to Nigerians that as part of our constitutional responsibility to expose corruption, cases and evidences should be brought before us and we assure that we will investigate and expose them.

    “We are not afraid of anyone in doing our job and we have made that clear over time,’’ he said.

    Saraki also called on committees whose investigation in alleged corrupt practices by agencies and individuals were pending to complete investigation and submit their reports.

    Besides, he called on Nigerian youths not to fall gullible to the antics of some corrupt Nigerians, who were bent on using them for their selfish interests.

    The Senate had following investigation by its Ad Hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East, headed by Sen. Shehu Sani, called for the resignation and prosecution of the dismissed SGF.

    This followed his alleged complicity in diversion of North-East humanitarian funds.

    Babachir was alleged to have contravened the provisions of Public Procurement Act and the Federal Government Financial Rules and Regulations pertaining to award of contracts.

    NAN

  • Buhari will not shield anyone from investigation – Garba Shehu

    Buhari will not shield anyone from investigation – Garba Shehu

    Presidential spokesman Garba Shehu says President Muhammadu Buhari will not stop the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) from its investigation against Babachir Lawal and Ayo Oke, who were relieved of their appointments.

    Shehu, who stated this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, said President Buhari had taken the necessary administrative action against the two officials.

    President Buhari, had on Oct. 30, approved the appointment of Boss Mustapha as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and terminated the appointment of the suspended SGF, Babachir Lawal.

    The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, also approved the termination of the appointment of the suspended Director-General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke.

    The presidential aide said: “”The President has taken the administrative action. All other actions will be taken by relevant government agencies.

    ““The position of the President, therefore, is that investigative agencies, which have already commenced the investigation of the two officers removed from office, will go on with their work of investigation without any interference or hindrance.’’

    According to Shehu, President Buhari is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution and will not stop the investigation of anyone “because he has no such power under our laws, adding this is a decision of the Supreme Court.

    “”The President under our laws can, through the Attorney General enter a nolle prosequi to stop an on-going trial. He may upon conviction, order a pardon.

    “”Beyond these, the president cannot order investigation agencies to not investigate anyone and does not intend to do so in this, or any other circumstance.

    “”Based on his wish and desire for a strict observance of the law, the President expects the EFCC, ICPC and such agencies to proceed with ongoing investigations..

    “”When and where they have reasonable grounds to charge former or serving officers to court under our laws, they do not require the permission of the President to do so.’’(NAN)

  • Group to Buhari: Order the arrest, prosecution of Lawal, Oke

    Group to Buhari: Order the arrest, prosecution of Lawal, Oke

    The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) Monday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ask that the duo of Babachir Lawal and Oke, erstwhile Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) be arrested and prosecuted.

    The development is Followed the termination of the appointment of the indicted erstwhile Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal and his replacement with Boss Mustapha.

    In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director Miss. Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA also criticized President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to use the sacking of the erstwhile SGF to balance the clear lopsidedness in the composition of his kitchen cabinet dominated exclusively by Northern Hausa/Fulani Moslems and completely alienated the South East of Nigeria.

    The rights group which however said the belated sack of the duo of Lawal and Oke was a step in the right direction stated that the directive from president Buhari stopped short of ordering the immediate arrest of both former top shots of his government by all the relevant anti-graft institutions.

    HURIWA said it is however the general expectations of most Nigerians and observers the world over, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Offences Commission (ICPC) will not behave like zombies and fail to activate effective mechanisms for the immediate arrest and prosecution in the competent courts of law of the indicted top federal government political and security officials.

    Besides, the Rights group has also tasked all credible civil rights bodies to monitor closely the actions of both the EFCC and ICPC in the eventual arrest and prosecution of the duo because both men had overwhelming influences within the corridors of power.

    “Let all the credible Non-governmental bodies come together as a coalition of patriots to set up effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all the relevant law enforcement institutions are compelled to do the needful in this instance and not be allowed to deliberately undermine or destroy the prosecution of these two powerful former presidency officials.

    “The erstwhile SGF is alleged to be very close to the acting chairman of EFCC because the EFCC acting Chairman has been sighted in the Maitama residence of the now sacked SGF Babachir Lawa.”

    Speaking on the failure of president Buhari to respect federal character principle in the replacement of the now dismissed SGF; the Rights group said this continuous pattern of gross disrespect to the constitution is disastrous.”

    HURIWA recalled that a statement from the Presidency said the President Muhammadu Buhari has studied the report of the panel headed by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, which investigated allegations against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal, and the Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayo Oke.

  • ‘APC vindicated by Babachir’s sack’

    ‘APC vindicated by Babachir’s sack’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) said on Monday that the sack of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir Lawal has vindicated the party position.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party said while reacting g to the sack of Lawal said the President has done the needful.

    Abdullahi said: “A few days ago when the President directed the dismissal of Abdulrasheed Maina, some people say that is right but what about the suspended SGF, BD Lawal but we as a party said look, the President is the only person who has all the information. All of us can inly has one side of the story or the other.

    “But the President by the virtue of the position he occupies is the only one who has all the information and he would do what is necessary at the right time, now we have been vindicated and it shows that the President has not in anyway waiver his commitment not to tolerate corruption at any level no matter who is involve,” the APC spokesman stated.

    Related: ‘Handover Babachir, Oke to EFCC, ICPC’

    Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti Corruption, Prof Itse Sagay said the sack of the suspended SGF was long over due, while describing the appointment of Boss Mustapha as his replacement as a positive development.

    Sagay said: “I think there has been a consensus on this and that was overdue. There has been too much delay. Although I will like to put a caveat that government usually have a lot more information than the rest of us as the delay might have discretionary due to the information they had. I was patient and I definitely endorse the final decision that has been taken.

    “Boss Mustapha has a very long history of political activities and my impression on him is that, apart from being a lawyer with a very good reputation in terms of integrity, he has always been a consistent person in whatever course he pursues. So, I think that we should ok at it as a positive development.”

  • Declare position on suspended SGF, FG urged

    Declare position on suspended SGF, FG urged

    Alhaji Ahmed Dogara, former member of Niger House of Assembly, on Saturday urged the Federal Government to declare it’s position on the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation,  SGF and the NIA boss.

    The presidency on April 19, suspended from office the SGF, Babachir Lawal, and the Director-General of the NIA, Ayo Oke, pending the conclusion of investigations by a panel set up by the president.

    The panel, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, was to investigate allegations of contract fraud and bribery against Lawal by the Senate and the N13 billion found in an Ikoyi apartment by EFCC, claimed by the NIA.

    Dogara  told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that making public pronouncements about the two suspended public officers would send signal to public officers to desist from taking pleasure in looting public treasury.

    He said that many  Nigerians had expressed worries about the case of SGF, NIA boss and the lists of corrupt officers that nearly ruined this country had remained a nightmare to the public.

    He said it was high time for the Federal Government to act fast to enable Nigerians to strengthen their political will in exposing public officers lootinh the national treasury.

    He commended the president for the immediate disengagement of the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, from federal service.

    ”Mr. President showed, as he had done now, that he can hire and fire to salvage the bad situation in the polity.”

    ” President Buhari’s commitment to fight corruption these years that made the majority of the masses  to support his candidature, is the same step that can earn this government votes in the next election in 2019″ he said. (NAN)

  • Those responsible for Maina’s recall must be punished – APC

    Those responsible for Maina’s recall must be punished – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) said Tuesday that all those found to be involved in the recall and reinstatement of the former Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina must be made to face appropriate consequences of their action.

    National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi told newsmen at the APC secretariat that the incidence which has attracted wide public debate was a big embarrassment to the party and the government.

    He was however quick to defend the Failure of the President to act on the report of the Osinbajo committee that investigated allegations against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

    He said “We are all shocked like any other person. It is almost unbelievable that such thing can happen. However, we are all delighted that President Buhari has taken very decisive and punitive action against those that are involved. We are also delighted that he has ordered full scale investigation into the circumstances the led to this individual being reinstated into the public office.

    “We believe as a party that whoever was part of this or found to be part of this must face appropriate consequences because it is an embarrassment to the party, government and it is unacceptable.”

    On the failure of the president to act on the previous reports on his table and the guarantee that he will act on the outcome of investigation into the recall of Maina, he said: “I cannot comment on this because it is the same President that has taken decisive action on this that still have the other reports. In his wisdom, he must have a reason and unless we know those reasons, we cannot come to conclusions that he has not acted.

    “We have to be willing to admit that in his judgement, he does not have all the facts because we are not sitting in that chair. We have no more doubt in our minds that the President will do what is necessary and do what is right. But he does not have to act because everybody wants him to act. He has to exercise the best judgement at all time.

    “So, if we are satisfied that he is acting in the best interest of the nation, definitely we cannot continue to insinuate that he will shield these people. He was the one who ordered that the investigation be carried out and he is the one who ordered that the SGF and NIA boss be removed from the office and we have not heard that they have returned to their duty post. So, definitely action will be taken on them. I think we should just be kind and wait for Mr. President to action on that before we come to the conclusion that he has not acted.”

    He dismissed calls for the party to set up an independent investigation, saying “why should the party set up an independent investigation team as if it is not our government. There is no need to set up one because it is our government. The President as the leader of the party is not independent of the party. We are confident that the President will do what is necessary.”

  • Corruption: Church to excommunicate erring members in Enugu

    The Enugu Diocese of the Methodist Church, will henceforth excommunicate its members, who are prosecuted for corrupt practices, the archbishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Christopher Edeh, has said.

    Edeh, who gave this caution in Enugu in his state of the nation’s address to the congregation at the end of the 42nd Annual Synod of the church on Sunday, said that such people were a disgrace to the body of Christ.

    The cleric urged the Federal Government, as a matter of duty, to prosecute all suspected corrupt government officials in the country, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious inclinations.

    Edeh noted with dismay that some corrupt officials in government were avoiding investigations, pointing out that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should give more attention to this development.

    “The suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal and the Director of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke, was the height of  fighting corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari,’’ he said.

    The cleric, however, opined that the investigations should be handled by an independent panel rather than by government functionaries.

    The archbishop also called for transparency and accountability in the disbursement of all the looted funds.

    Edeh also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts on the diversification of the economy to agriculture, solid minerals and industrial development to tackle the present recession.

    The clergyman, who advised the congregation to embrace farming, called on the government to check the invasion of farmlands by herdsmen, who had been rendering the efforts of farmers useless.

    On the ongoing continuous voters’ registration, the archbishop urged churches to ensure adequate participation in the exercise.

    “The time has gone when in the name of Christian faith, believers stand aloof when national issues like the census or the National Identity Card registration pass by.

    “Performing our civic responsibility is also a Christian responsibility, we cannot be heavenly conscious and earthly useless,’’ Edeh said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the synod is, “God’s Word, My Guide”.

  • The denouncement of Babachir Lawal

    SIR: “We are victims of our actions; our destinies are controlled by the cosmic rolls of the dice, the whims of the stars and the vagrant breeze of fortune that blows from the windmills of the gods.”- H.L. Detridge.

    The above lines came to mind on Wednesday, April 19, after the Presidency suspended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal, from office pending investigation into the allegations of violations of law and due process in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).

    Given the anti-corruption stance of the Buhari administration, the popular expectation was that Lawal would be immediately suspended from office and steps taken to investigate the allegations contained in the report of the Senate to the President, dated December 15, 2016, as the administration has just done.  Rather, the President in his January 17, reply to Senate President, Bukola Saraki, discountenanced the resolution and advanced reasons for his action.

    The administration runs on a tripod of the executive, legislature and judiciary.  Nigerians have seen how the executive, which has been accused of protecting its officials who are allegedly corrupt, has taken the anti-corruption battle into the enclaves of the judiciary and the legislature, charging judges and the Senate President with breaches of provisions of the law and other extant rules before the courts and tribunal.

    Perhaps, a reappraisal of its disposition to the anti-corruption war especially within the executive ambit was at the bottom of the sudden volte-face on Lawal.  Perhaps, the administration has realised that it is losing its massive goodwill and floundering in the anti-graft war on account of its seemingly selective prosecution of corruption cases.  Perhaps, in the circumstance, it has decided to seize the initiative to do the correct.

    This is the time to retune the anti-graft war. The Osinbajo-led investigative committee may be the game changer.  It is saddled with a historic task, the outcome of which may make or mar the anti-corruption war.  But given his pedigree as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and pastor, Osinbajo should be guided by the spirit and letters of the law, morality and fear of God in the discharge of this tricky assignment.  Corruption, its whiff and tendencies are the foci of investigative attack here and not an individual, his ethnic or religious affiliations, lest people begin to give the exercise a religious undertone.

    It is somewhat sardonic and unfortunate that Lawal is the one caught right in the eye of the storm. It could have been anybody else.  Indeed, what has crystallised is nothing but the fall of Babachir Lawal, a denouement of sorts. It would not matter whether or not he survives the inquisition. By being a subject of executive investigation, he has donned a badge of dishonour as the first occupant of the position of the SGF to be suspended and investigated for alleged abuse of office in the recent annals of Nigeria’s public administration.  But more importantly, Lawal’s debacle will prove salutary to Buhari’s anti-corruption war: that the administration does not have sacred cows; and that if the SGF could be suspended and investigated, the ministers, especially the “super” ministers, should not be conceited.

     

    • Sufuyan Ojeifo,

    Abuja.