Sacked Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ayo Oke are to be quizzed by the anti-graft agencies.
After the Presidency announced the officers’ sack yesterday,
there were calls that they be handed over to the anti-graft agencies. A
statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba
Shehu, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s position “is that investigation
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”.
“The President,
who is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution will not stop
the investigation of anyone because he has no such power under our laws. This
is a decision of the Supreme Court,” Shehu said, adding: “The President under
our laws can, through the Attorney General, enter a nolle prosequi to
stop an ongoing 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 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. Lawal
was suspended on April 19, following allegation of misappropriation of
fund meant for development of the Northeast .
The President based his decision on the report of the three- man panel
headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo which probed corruption allegations
against the two officials. Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina
who announced the decision, said Buhari accepted the recommendation of the
Osinbajo panel to terminate Lawal’s appointment.
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