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).

Osinbajo Conferred with Title of ‘Jagaban’ In Adamawa

The Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, has conferred on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the honorary title of Jagaban Adamawa.The vice president was given the title at the inauguration of completed projects at Yola, the Adamawa state capital.Osinbajo’s media aide, Laolu Akande made this known on his twitter handle.

Vice President Osinbajo Departs Nigeria to Attend Anti-corruption Forum In Paris

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday departed the country to attend the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD’s Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum holding in Paris tomorrow, Thursday and Friday.Concerned that “corruption and abuse of public office are a blight on democracies and a drain on public finances and with trust in government flagging,” the OECD forum brings together global leaders, Government ministers, business leaders and civil society representatives to discuss issues “including the cost to society of corruption, the use of political donations to buy influence, developments in corporate liability for graft, and the role of export controls to counter bribery.”A statement by Laolu Akande said the Vice President who is one of the featured speakers at the global conference left Abuja today, after participating in the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.
During the conference, Prof. Osinbajo would hold bilateral talks with the Secretary-General of the organization Angel Gurria to review and explore relationship between Nigeria and the body including how to further strengthen mutual cooperation in the areas such as good governance, integrity and anti-corruption efforts.Founded in 1961, OECD’s mission includes the attainment of global economic development through supporting sustainable economic growth, boosting employment, raising living standards, contributing to the growth of world trade and maintaining financial stability among other objectives.While in Paris, the Vice President will also hold a number of meetings with the French Minister Mr. Bernard Cazeneuve, the statement said. He is expected back in Abuja by weekend.