I will probe SGF Babachir Lawal – Presidency

The Senate has accused Babachir Lawal of awarding contracts to companies belonging to top government officials’ cronies and family members.

President Muhammadu Buhari would decide the fate of Babachir Lawal after investigating the allegations against the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) the presidency has disclosed.

The Senate had called for the sack and prosecution of the SGF following alleged complicity in the diversion of the north-east humanitarian funds.

Lawal was indicted by the Senate report for allegedly contravening the provisions of the public procurement act and the federal government’s financial rules and regulations pertaining to award of contracts.

The SGF was also accused by the Senate of awarding contracts to companies belonging to top government officials’ cronies and family members.

In reaction to the Senate's call for Lawal's sack, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, told the Punch on Thursday, December 15, that the president would look at both sides before taking a decision.

“The SGF has defended himself. The President is very fair minded. He will look at both sides of the matter,” Adesina said.

On his part, Babachir Lawal has accused the Senate of trying to rubbish his name following calls for his resignation and prosecution.

In a related development, Senator Bukola Saraki has sent a message to President Muhammadu Buhari that the country is expecting how the case of Babachir Lawal accused of corruption will be treated.

He said the president is being watched on how he handles the situation involving the secretary to the government of the federation considering his stance on issues of corruption.

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