How We’ll Investigate Babachir Lawal, Ayo Oke – Osinbajo

The Presidential committee to investigate corruption allegations against the two suspended officials of the Buhari administration says it will conduct its work in camera.A statement by the Vice President’s Spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, on Saturday in Abuja said that the camera sitting of the committee would enable all parties in the matter to make full disclosures.President Muhammadu Buhari had named Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to head the panel to investigate the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke.Lawal was accused of legal and due process violations in the award of contracts to companies handling the resettlement programmes in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the North-East.Oke was also accused of transgressions in the discovery of large amounts in foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.“In the discharge of its work, the panel is expected to invite all relevant officials and private individuals who may be connected to both cases.“It will also obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw some light on the issues raised in both cases.“All its proceedings will, however, be in closed sessions to avoid speculations, allow for full disclosure and enhance the pace of proceedings,’’ the statement said.It said that the committee had begun its work in earnest to be able to meet the two weeks deadline given to it by Buhari.According to the statement, the panel will conduct its work with utmost diligence and without fear or favour.In the three-member committee with Osinbajo are the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami and National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Munguno (retd).

Suspended NIA Chief, Ayo Oke Weeps After Futile Attempt to Enter the Presidential Villa

Reports indicated that the suspended Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke, betrayed emotion after a futile attempt to enter the Presidential Villa to see Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday.According to the reports, Oke tried to enter the villa shortly after his suspension was announced and was driven towards the Service Chiefs’ Gate from where he was turned back.The NIA boss, who noticed the presence of State House correspondents, however, turned back and attempted to pass through Vice President’s exit gate.He was prevented from going out through that point by security officials; the security also stopped the DG from passing through the service chief’s gate.He later left the premises without seeing the Vice President.The Suspended NIA DG attempts to see the Vice President was after Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF who was also suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday met with Osinbajo.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the closed-door meeting is connected with the work of the Presidential Committee set up to investigate allegations of misconduct against the SGF.When accosted, the SGF refused to comment on the outcome of his meeting with the Vice-President.He also feigned ignorance of his suspension as he queried journalists on who signed the statement sending him on suspension when he confronted.
President Buhari had on Wednesday ordered the immediate suspension of Lawal and Oke, pending the outcome of investigation of allegations levelled against them.Media and Publicity Special Adviser, Mr Femi Adesina, said the president ordered an investigation into the allegations of violations of law and due process made against the SGF, Mr David Lawal, in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).
The President also ordered a full-scale investigation into the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a residential apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, over which the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has made a claim.“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.“The President has also directed the suspension of the Director General of the NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke, pending the outcome of the investigation,’’ the statement added.