Read President Buhari's Letter to the Senate Defending Babachir Lawal Over Indictment by the Senate

 

President Muhammadu Buhari, has today, written to the Nigerian Senate in response to the lawmakers’ indictment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and consequent call for his removal and prosecution.

 

In his letter read by Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Tuesday during the plenary session, President Buhari defended Lawal and gave reasons why he could not act as demanded by the Senate.

 

President Buhari said the SGF was not given fair hearing before the indictment, adding that neither the SGF nor the company said to have been used to perpetrate the alleged illegality was invited by the the Shehu Sani-committee.

 

He also said the report of the committee was signed by three of the nine members of the ad hoc commitee, thus making its report a minority report.

 

Consequently, the president said he had no choice than to not to act against Mr. Lawal as canvassed by the Senate.

 

Recall that the Senate had in December last year asked President Buhari to suspend Lawal and ensure his prosecution over alleged breach of Nigerian laws in handling contracts awarded by the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE).

 

Read President Buhari's letter to the senate in full below;