Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has renewed his criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and revisited the circumstances that led to his removal from office in 2017.
In a lengthy statement titled “Kachalla 2”, Lawal alleged that his removal was politically motivated and driven by internal disagreements within the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said: “I find this amusing because it was clearly a setup to get me out of the office.”
Lawal argued that his close relationship with Buhari made him a target of political actors who, he said, were uncomfortable with his influence within the government.
He stated: “This close relationship annoyed so many people who were beginning to fear Buhari must be grooming me for something higher.”
Lawal also referenced then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, alleging that he played a role in sustaining pressure that contributed to his investigation and eventual removal.
He said the matter was repeatedly raised to the presidency, leading to the formation of investigative panels.
The former SGF maintained that investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not establish criminal wrongdoing against him.
He said: “All of them testified to my innocence… not one of them implicated me either in the contract award process or its execution.”
Lawal added that he was discharged and acquitted following a no-case submission, insisting that no public funds were lost in the contracts under scrutiny.
Reacting to allegations linked to the so-called “grass cutting scandal,” Lawal said the narrative misrepresented the project executed during his tenure.
He stated: “No money was lost by the government, no bribe was given and no money was laundered.”
