Babachir Lawal

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the prosecution of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed this on Monday while speaking at an event held in his honour by Christian youths under the aegis of the Ikeja branch of GRILL in Lagos.

Lawal was sacked after a Senate committee indicted him on misappropriating funds meant for the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE) meant to assuage the sufferings of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region.

Oke was dismissed from office following the discovery of $43 million by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a luxury apartment located in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Osinbajo said Lawal and Oke were recommended for prosecution by a committee which he heads.

“I think the first thing for us is that the report was acted upon. The former SGF was dismissed. Second, the President has directed that the SGF and former DG of NIA be prosecuted.

“So, we are expecting that prosecution will take place. The next, of course is that criminal allegations will be filed against them and the prosecution process will be completed,” Osinbajo said.

While blaming the country’s current woes on corruption, the Vice President maintained that no sleaze was taking place under the current government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Corruption has had detrimental effects on Nigeria’s economy. This country was subjected to corruption for many years. Grand corruption perpetuated by previous governments is responsible for the state of the economy.

“Many of the projects in the country initiated by the previous government are not completed because of corruption. Grand corruption makes people start projects and never complete them.

“Grand corruption is when the head of government takes money from the treasury and shares it to the people. You will never find people stealing from the public treasury under this administration. 

“The same individuals who robbed this country are saying they want to come back and fix the problems. We should ask them what they are going to do about grand corruption. How are you sure they are not going to enrich their friends with public funds?” he added.