Suspended SGF Babachir faces Osinbajo panel
The suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, on Tuesday, had his own turn before the presidential panel probing him on the alleged mismanagement of funds at the Presidential Initiative on North East (PINE).
The three-man panel, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is investigating allegations of violations of law and due process against the suspended SGF, in the award of contracts under the PINE.
A Senate Committee on Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East had found Lawal culpable in a N200 million grass-cutting contract to clear “invasive plant species” in Yobe State.
Lawal, who faced the investigation panel for the first time yesterday, was interrogated from 1:15 pm to 3.20pm.
The suspended SGF appeared before the panel with a computer laptop and some documents.
Lawal, who was accompanied by a mobile police officer and an aide, left the Presidential Villa at 3:35pm without speaking to journalists.
President Muhammadu Buhari had last Wednesday suspended Lawal and ordered the investigation.
The panel, comprising the National Security Adviser, General Babagana Monguno (rtd) and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, is expected to submit its report next Wednesday.
Reports had it that jostling for Lawal’s replacement has begun.
