SGF, NIA DG’s suspension rekindles commitment to anti-corruption fight – IPAC

…AS Rep member commends Buhari

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has described Wednesday’s suspension of Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal, as demonstration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to anti-corruption fight.

National Chairman of the council, Mr Muhammedu Nalado, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

This is as a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Babatunde Kolawole, representing Ondo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has commended President Buhari for suspending the SGF, Mr Lawal.

Nalado said that the suspension of Lawal and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr Ayo Oke, would allow for proper investigation of alleged corruption cases against them.

The Presidency had on Wednesday announced the suspension of both men and constituted a committee to investigate allegations against them.

Nalado said that if the NIA boss could be suspended, it meant that the present administration really had zero-tolerance for corruption.

“The fact that it also affected the SGF shows the seriousness of the administration in fighting corruption.

“Remember that this SGF was appointed by the government of the day which has come with the aim of fighting corruption.

“If they can now be suspended to clear themselves of the allegations against them, I think that it is a welcomed development.

“It is going to give more confidence to Nigerians that this fight is not being selective and that everybody affected will get equal treatment,’’ he said.

The chairman, however, explained that the suspension was not confirmation that the men committed the offences, adding that the measure was to allow the investigation to go without interference.

“It is a proper thing to do. People should not look at them as if they have committed the offence. After the investigation, I believe a White Paper will be released and that is when people will know the fate of those suspended.’’

On the timing of the action, Nalado said it could never be late, insisting that it was “better for you to do something perfectly than to do it half-hazardly, without due process.’’

He commended the President for constituting a committee chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to investigate the allegations.

“Normally, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), like other establishments of the government, is directly or indirectly under the SGF. So, setting up a committee to establish the fact is a good idea.

“The office of a vice president is a big and strong office to head such investigative committee. If you put a lower office to head it, the investigation and its outcome may be influenced or manipulated.’’

Kolawole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, that the action was long expected from the President.

“The SGF’s continued stay in office without reprimand in spite of the heavy allegations against him was a taint on the anti-corruption fight of this administration.
“It is a welcome development because we were all wondering what was going on concerning the allegation against the SGF.

“If you remember, he was alleged to have abused the Public Procurement Act in contract awarded by the Presidential Initiative on North-East (PINE).

“He was also alleged to have awarded contracts to his family members as well as top government officials.

“Also, I think a committee in the Senate, which investigated the matter made some recommendations against him.

“Yet, there was a deafening silence from the Presidency on the alleged corruption against him, making many Nigerians to conclude that the fight against corruption was selective.

“This suspension shows that this administration is ready to do the right thing no matter whose ox is gored. It is a commendable move,” he said.

On the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr Ayo Oke, the lawmaker also said that his suspension was a “plus for Nigeria as a whole.”

“Nigeria is now being seen in the international community as a country where anything goes.

But, in this case, it shows that we are evolving and it’s not business as usual.
“The President has done the right thing by asking that the discovery of the huge amount be investigated thoroughly.”