Update 2: Drama as SGF, DG NIA spotted at Aso Rock after announcement of suspension

…as SGF experienced shock at his suspension.

A drama ensued at the Presidential Villa after the announcement of the suspension of two officials of the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

The suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal was announced while he was in a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Aso Rock. Emerging from the meeting, Lawal was swamped by journalists who sought to get his reaction to the suspension and had a look of shock on his face.

It was almost clear that he had no idea what had happened while he was in a closed-door meeting with Vice President Osinbajo.

Earlier, a statement by presidential spokesman Femi Adesina had announced the suspension of the SGF on the allegations of violations of law and due process made by a Senate Adhoc committee, over the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE) and ordered a full-scale investigation.

The statement had also announced the suspension of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ayo Oke.

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.

While the investigation is ongoing, the President directed the suspension of both officials from office pending the outcome of the investigations.

Both investigations are to be conducted by a three-man Committee chaired by the Vice President with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Mongunu as members.

The Committee is to submit its report to the President within 14 days.

Emerging from the VP’s office an exchange between Babachir and reporters at the State House went thus.

Newsmen: Your suspension has just been announced. How will you react to the development? Babachir with an expression of shocked asked “Who announced it?

Newsmen: The Presidency. Lawal’s response “Then ask them. Why are you asking me? Who is the Presidency?

Newsmen: Have you been informed of the suspension? Lawal answered “By who? About what. What about you? Have you been informed?

Newsmen: Yes sir.

Lawal “By who?

Newsmen: By the Presidency sir.

“I have not seen it. I should have been given… I have not seen the press release so I cannot comment on it” he said.

Newsmen: It is currently trending online. Are you doubting the authenticity of the statement?

He answered “I have not seen it.

Newsmen: Tell us the outcome of your meeting with the Vice-President sir.

“ I am always here. I always meet the Vice-President. I used to come here even before I was made SGF” he said.

Shortly after the SGF left the Presidential Villa, the DG of the NIA showed up and was headed to the Vice President’s office, but turned to look for another entrance to avoid the waiting cameras of journalists.

Oke was driven to the gate mostly used by Service Chiefs but was denied access. His convoy drove off. Later journalists were asked to clear from the entrance to allow him to return for his meeting with the Vice President.

At the time of filing this report, Oke is already in the Vice President’s office for the meeting. The NSA who is a member of the investigation committee is also in the Vice President’s office.

 

Elizabeth Archibong