By Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku
Benin City, Nigeria – Following the suspension of the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Babachir David Lawal, over allegations of Fraud, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has called on the Buhari administration to set up an independent panel to probe such allegations.
ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor made the call in Benin City recently, while commending the administration for its action to suspend the embattled secretary, and the National Intelligence Agency Director, Ayo Oke for his involvement in the recently discovered alleged looted N13.3 billion stashed in Osborne apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos State of Nigeria.
Babachir’s suspension came amidst public outcry which followed allegation of dipping his fingers into funds allocated to the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE), a fund set aside to take care of Internally Displaced Persons who are mostly victims of Boko Haram Terrorist activities in Nigeria.
“What has happened with the suspension of both top officials of the Buhari administration is an example of the direction that the anti-corruption effort of the Federal government should follow. The suspension even though a bit belated is highly exemplary, commendable and a step in the right direction,” Ugolor said.
Since allegations of financial impropriety were levelled against Lawal, there has been a certain level of uncertainty in the Presidency on how to deal with the issue.
Even though the initial presidential panel headed by the nation’s Attorney General set up to investigate the matter cleared the suspended SGF, there have been calls among Nigerians across all aisles including civil society organizations and organized labour for his outright sack.
Consequently, and the in the wake of the Osborne apartment scandal, President Buhari suspended him and the NIA Director, Ayo Oke and instituted a three-man panel to probe the allegations.
The panel, headed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, has the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, as members.
“Setting up a presidential panel to investigate a member of its kitchen cabinet makes the presidency a judge and jury in its own case, and turns the very idea of the rule of law on its head.
“The Presidency is not an investigating body, rather it is an ombudsman. Therefore, we recommend the setting up of an independent panel headed by a respected/retired judge or justice and/or persons who are outside the corridors of power” Ugolor demanded.
