President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he would not give cover to the sacked Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal and the Director General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke after being removed from offices.
Reacting to deluge of reactions to the sack of the two officers over some alleged frauds, the President said that what he had done by sacking them was an administrative action, adding that all other actions will be taken by relevant government and security agencies.
A statement by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Garba Shehu said that investigation agencies which have already commenced the investigation of the two officers removed from office will go on without any interference or hindrance.
The statement said that President Buhari is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution and “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, enter 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 so 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.” [myad]
