Politics
Yielding to loud calls for prosecution, Presidency says Buhari ‘expects’ EFCC, ICPC to go after Lawal, Oke
Following widespread calls for the prosecution of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke, the Presidency on Monday said the nation’s security and anti-corruption agencies were free to go after the sacked officials.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.
The statement read, “The President has taken the administrative action. All other actions will be taken by relevant government agencies.
“The position of the President, therefore, is that investigation agencies which have already commenced the investigation of the two officers removed from office will go on with their work of investigation without any interference or hindrance.
Read also: Buhari’s sack of Lawal, Oke not enough, should be handed over to EFCC, ICPC- SERAP
“The President who is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution will not stop the investigation of anyone because he has no such power under our laws. This is a decision of the Supreme Court.
“The President under our laws can, through the Attorney General enters a nolle prosequi to stop an on-going trial. He may upon conviction, order a pardon.
“Beyond these, the president cannot order investigation agencies to not investigate anyone and does not intend to do in this, or any other circumstance.
“Based on his wish and desire for a strict observance of the law, the President expects the EFCC, ICPC and such agencies to proceed with ongoing investigations.
“When and where they have reasonable grounds to charge former or serving officers to court under our laws, they do not require the permission of the President to do so.”
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yanju omotodun
October 31, 2017 at 5:42 am
Good one, Babachir dares buhari, he thought he would be vindicated at last, but reverse is the case. He will end up in prison
JOHNSON PETER
October 31, 2017 at 5:59 am
Who told you he will even enter cell let alone prison, don’t deceive yourself, they will cover the matter as long he has removed as the SGF
Animashaun Ayodeji
October 31, 2017 at 8:10 am
I think is at the discretion of the EFCC to investigat Lawal and Oke and still put up a case against them invthe court of law, it will however be too sudden to do that, ICPC and (or) EFCC should give them time to cool off their sack news before picking them up for investigation
Abeni Adebisi
October 31, 2017 at 8:14 am
Now is the best time to investigate them, the antigraft agencies don’t need to give them time to cool of. If Lawal and Oke should leave the country, it will be very difficult to investigate them.
Amarachi Okoye
October 31, 2017 at 6:47 pm
True talk. Government should do something before this two criminal leave the country
Anita Kingsley
October 31, 2017 at 9:00 am
Magu will not do anything on Lawal and Oke’s issue without having approval from Buhari and Buhari will never give him go ahead
seyi jelili
October 31, 2017 at 10:26 pm
Stop saying thrash, he will allow them do their work