Sacked SGF Babachir Lawal:

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari will not stop the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) from investigating former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and former Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Ayo Oke, who were relieved of their appointments on Monday, the presidency has said.

President Buhari, had on Monday terminated the appointment of the suspended SGF, Babachir Lawal.

The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, also approved the termination of the appointment of the suspended Director-General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke.

Garba Shehu, spokesperson for the President said in a statement that since the President had taken the necessary administrative action against the two officials, other relevant government agencies are expected to take other actions necessary to bring the sacked officials to justice.

The presidential aide said: “The President has taken the administrative action. The position of the President, therefore, is that investigative 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.’’

He added that the President is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution and will not stop the investigation of anyone because he has no such power under Nigerian laws as has been decided by 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.’’