Osinbajo panel interrogates suspended SGF Lawal

The suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal yesterday appeared before the presidential panel where he was quizzed over alleged violations of due process in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).

Lawal arrived the Presidential Villa about 1:00p.m. and was ushered before the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo-led panel to answer sundry questions in connection with the allegations. He departed the venue at 3:35p.m.

The three-man committee which was set up by President Muhammadu Buhari last Wednesday and tasked to complete the assignment and submit the report within 14 days includes the National Security Adviser (NSA), a major General and Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami.

The panel had on Monday quizzed ‎his co-accused and suspended Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayo Oke. Oke was suspended over 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 NIA has made a claim.

Meanwhile, Osinbajo has renewed the call for international collaboration aimed at tackling terrorism, stating that Nigeria will continue to cooperate in global efforts to eradicate the menace.

Osinbajo stated this yesterday when he received the Bangladeshi Chief of Army Staff, General Abu Belal Muhammad who was on a courtesy call to the Presidential Villa.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, the Vice President said networking among terrorists groups has increased the need for countries to close ranks to counter the threats posed by their activities.

On Nigeria-Bangladesh relations, the Vice President said improved cooperation between the Bangladeshi and Nigerian military would go a long way in curbing threats posed by terrorist groups within and around the borders of the two countries.