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Tag: Babachir lawal

  • Tinubu’s visit to the Pope is an insult to Christians — Babachir Lawal

    Tinubu’s visit to the Pope is an insult to Christians — Babachir Lawal

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, describing it as an affront to Nigeria’s Christian community. Lawal argued that the President’s attendance at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome does not qualify as an achievement, but rather amplifies the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

    In an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, Lawal suggested that Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican was likely arranged through lobbying efforts aimed at polishing his public image.

    President Tinubu had attended the papal inauguration last week following an official invitation from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

    Dismissing the significance of the visit, Lawal stated, “Visiting the Pope is not a major achievement. It’s often the result of successful lobbying—how many connections you have in the Vatican and possibly what inducements are offered. It’s a non-issue.”

    He went on to argue that a Muslim president leading a delegation of Christian dignitaries to a papal event only deepens the perceived disregard for Nigeria’s Christian population.

    “This reinforces the insult of the Muslim-Muslim ticket. If Tinubu had chosen a Christian as his vice president, he likely wouldn’t have made that trip,” Lawal claimed.

    On a broader political note, Lawal also addressed opposition coalition talks, stating that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is being excluded due to what he called its “incurable virus”—implying internal dysfunction and loss of credibility.

  • Matawalle faults ex-SGF over Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambitions

    Matawalle faults ex-SGF over Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambitions

    The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has faulted the recent comments by Dr Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation,regarding the 2027 Presidential ambitions of President Bola Tinubu

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Henshaw Ogubike on Monday in Abuja.

    Matawalle emphasised that President Tinubu has made commendable strides in governance and that Lawal and his associates will be surprised by the resounding support the President will receive from the North.

    He said that the president had made impactful reforms in several key areas like security, economy, infrastructure and governance.

    The minister said the security forces neutralised over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, apprehended 11,600 criminals, and recovered more than 10,000 weapons in 2024.

    According to him, this robust action has significantly improved security across the North.

    He added that the successful rescue of approximately 8,000 kidnap victims underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens.

    “The establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) in December 2024, in collaboration with the UK’s National Crime Agency, has enhanced strategic coordination in the fight against kidnapping.

    “Looking at the administration from the economic point of view, the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development aims to tap into the agricultural potential of the North, promoting economic growth and empowering millions, particularly women and youths in the North.

    “This initiative is expected to transform rural communities and contribute to food Security.

    “The recent decline in grain prices across the country is a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s agricultural policies,” he said.

    Matawalle added that Tinubu’s administration had prioritised infrastructure projects that vital for economic growth in the North, including road construction and improvement of transportation networks.

    He said that the local government autonomy had empowered local administrations to function effectively, ensuring accountability and better governance at the grassroots.

    “President Tinubu, who has been in office for just 19 months, has made significant contributions in all regions of Nigeria, including the North.

    “The people of the North will rally behind Mr President to build upon the achievements and reforms he has initiated.”

    “The North remains steadfast in its support for President Tinubu. Any insinuation to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to sow discord and undermine our national security,” he said.

    Matawalle urged critics to evaluate Tinubu’s scorecard objectively rather than dismissing his efforts, saying it was essential for them to assess the tangible benefits of the president’s reforms.

    “We must unite in our support for Mr President as he continues to work towards a prosperous and secure Nigeria.

    “Our support for President Tinubu is unwavering and unshakeable. We stand firmly behind his vision for a prosperous and secure Nigeria,” he added.

  • Arrest Obi, face severe consequences – Ex-SGF, Babachir tells Tinubu

    Arrest Obi, face severe consequences – Ex-SGF, Babachir tells Tinubu

    A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has warned the Federal Government to desist from arresting the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi over planned nationwide protests.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Lawal while speaking with journalists dismissed the allegation of Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, that Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement were sponsoring the proposed protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

    Recalled Nigerians particularly the youths who complained about hardship have planned to stage national protests to draw the government’s attention to their plight.

    But the presidency fingered the former Anambra governor, saying he was the protest, warning of the consequences.

    Speaking to newsmen, Lawal said, “Bola Tinubu (president) should not use a forceful approach with the protesters. They mean well for the country. If they go out to protest and there is an attempt to forcefully stop them, that will be the catalyst for chaos.

    “Tinubu should remove Bayo Onanuga from his position because he doesn’t mean well for his government. His outbursts are inflaming Nigerians rather than pacifying them. When you are in government, you don’t insult the people.

    “I don’t know if Onanuga was the spokesman of the Motor Park Touts Association before he got his current appointment. They said he is educated, but it doesn’t show in his behaviour. He has an in-built disdain for people, and it shows in the way he talks.

    “I don’t expect a presidential spokesman to come out and say the planned protest is being organised by Peter Obi. If Obi had the character that Onanuga is ascribing to him, this government would have been down a long time ago.

    “How can you say Obi has anything to do with the protest? Even to complain, Obi will not let you accompany him.

    “It is one of the reasons why some of us just kept away from him. When you insult him, he will not reply. He will just go about doing his own business.”

    Lawal dared the government saying, “Let them arrest him if that is their plan and see the consequences. I know that is what Onanuga is working towards.

    “Anyone asking Tinubu to arrest Peter Obi doesn’t mean well for him. It is like they took cyanide with their own hands and swallowed it.

    “I really don’t know what Onanuga’s problem with Igbos is. Igbos are good people. They are our classmates from primary, secondary schools to university. They are our business partners; they are our neighbours.

    “We buy things from them. An Igbo man in my village is the one selling local gin (ogogoro). He left his village and settled down in my village. He is married and has farmlands.

    “Tinubu is a good man, but he is surrounded by sycophants like Onanuga who will not tell him the truth,” Lalwal said.

  • Protests: Onanuga’s behaviour doesn’t show he is educated – Babachir Lawal

    Protests: Onanuga’s behaviour doesn’t show he is educated – Babachir Lawal

    A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga action towards the planned nationwide protests by some aggrieved Nigerians.

    Babachir Lawal, speaking with newsmen on the issue, debunked the allegations by Onanuga, that the nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria was being sponsored by the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement.

    He also warned the Federal Government against any attempt to arrest Obi on the alleged sponsorship of the planned nationwide protests.

    Lawal said: “Bola Tinubu should not use a forceful approach with the protesters. They mean well for the country. If they go out to protest and there is an attempt to forcefully stop them, that will be the catalyst for chaos.”

    “Tinubu should remove Bayo Onanuga from his position because he doesn’t mean well for his government. His outbursts are inflaming Nigerians rather than pacifying them. When you are in government, you don’t insult the people.”

    “I don’t know if Onanuga was the spokesman of the Motor Park Touts Association before he got his current appointment. They said he is educated, but it doesn’t show in his behavior. He has an in-built disdain for people, and it shows in the way he talks.”

    “I don’t expect a presidential spokesman to come out and say the planned protest is being organized by Peter Obi. If Obi had the character that Onanuga is ascribing to him, this government would have been down a long time ago.”

    “How can you say Obi has anything to do with the protest? Even to complain, Obi will not let you accompany him.”

    “It is one of the reasons why some of us just kept away from him. When you insult him, he will not reply. He will just go about doing his own business.”

    “Let them arrest him if that is their plan and see the consequences. I know that is what Onanuga is working towards. Anyone asking Tinubu to arrest Peter Obi doesn’t mean well for him. It is like they took cyanide with their own hands and swallowed it.”

    “I really don’t know what Onanuga’s problem with Igbos is. Igbos are good people. They are our classmates from primary, secondary schools to university. They are our business partners; they are our neighbors.”

    “We buy things from them. An Igbo man in my village is the one selling local gin (ogogoro). He left his village and settled down in my village. He is married and has farmlands.”

    “Tinubu is a good man, but he is surrounded by sycophants like Onanuga who will not tell him the truth.”

  • 2023 Elections: Peter Obi will carry the day – Babachir Lawal

    2023 Elections: Peter Obi will carry the day – Babachir Lawal

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal has predicted a Labour Party win in the forthcoming general elections in the country, saying there may be a second ballot.

    Lawal made this known while featuring on a political programme politics today on Channels Television, Lagos state.

    He noted that the Peoples Democratic Party will give the Labour party a good competition while noting that the All Progressive Congress could finish in third place depending on the strength of Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria peoples Party (NNPP).

    The Adamawa born politician added that APCs flying of Muslim-Muslim ticket will be their greatest undoing, adding that the many christians in the North will either vote for Atiku of Peter Obi of Labour Party.

    ” Tinubu will not get 25% in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Yobe, Adamawa and in all the Hausa-Fulani states he goes nowhere

    ”He might get some votes in the Southwest because of tribal affinity, South South is also not his territory, likewise Southeast

    ”Atiku will clear most of the northern states because he’s from there and has been contesting for many years”

    However, he added that the APC will get 25% votes in some northern states, saying it will not be enough to scale through.

    Lawal noted that the election will be very tight between PDP and LP and could lead to a second ballot but insisted Obi will still carry the day.

    The Independent Electoral Commission INEC has fixed February 25 for the forthcoming presidential elections in the country, while the gubernatorial and state Assembly elections will be held on 12th March, 2023.

     

  • Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal endorsing Obi on Tinubu’s instruction – Omokri alleges

    Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal endorsing Obi on Tinubu’s instruction – Omokri alleges

    A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has made an allegation that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is working on Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s instruction to endorse Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi ahead of the 2023 election.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Omokri stated the reason why the ex-SGF is endorsing Obi is to dilute the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar vote in the north.

    In a recent tweet, Omokri also alleged that Babachir was made SGF by Tinubu.

    He wrote: ‘Babachir Lawal works for Tinubu. He was made Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Tinubu. He was protected from EFCC by Tinubu. He is endorsing Peter Obi on Tinubu’s instruction, to dilute Atiku’s Northern votes. Northern Christians, refused to be used!’

    See Tweet:

  • 2023: Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal’s group dumps APC, endorses Obi

    2023: Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal’s group dumps APC, endorses Obi

    A group coordinated by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal, has endorsed the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, as its preferred candidate for 2023 poll.

    In a statement released in Abuja, Lawal said that the group comprising some Northern Christian politicians settled for Obi, after a painstaking review and analysis of the alternative presidential ticket holders.

    According to reports, the group, in endorsing Obi, also endorsed his running mate, Mr Ahmed Datti.

    Besides endorsing Obi and Datti, the group recommended LP candidates to Nigerians,  saying they would ensure justice, equity, fairness and unity of the country.

    “As one of the foremost critics of APC’s single-faith presidential ticket and also in difference to those who have patiently waited for our guidance as to where to pitch our tent, after a painstaking review and analysis of the alternative presidential tickets, we now wish to recommend the Obi/Datti presidential ticket.

    “We wish to briefly narrate some few reasons among many, why we have endorsed this ticket and recommend it to all Nigerians of good conscience who desire justice, equity and a harmonious co-existence of all Nigerians across tribes, religion and geopolitical regions.

    “It is an indisputable fact that the whole of Northern Nigeria is currently mired in several intractable socio-economic problems, due to the activities of several nebulous criminal groups.

    “Agriculture, the mainstay of the northern economy, is all but abandoned because kidnappers and bandits have prevented people from venturing out of the safety of their homes,” he said.

    Lawal also decried the lack of safety in interstate and intercity travels for either business or leisure.

    He said this was not only due to un-motorable roads but for fear of attacks by criminals such as kidnappers, armed robbery and bandits.

    “In our quest for justice and equity in the socio-political and religious space of the country, it is obvious that only the Obi/Datti ticket has the potential to deliver.”

    He said that the Obi/Datti ticket can speak on the genuine clamour for power shift to the South-East as well as the cry of marginalisation by people of the South-East.

  • N544m grass-cutting scandal: Ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal discharged

    N544m grass-cutting scandal: Ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal discharged

    An Abuja High Court on Friday discharged a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and five others of N544 million grass-cutting fraud.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged  Lawal alongside his younger brother, Hamidu, Suleiman Abubakar; Apeh Monday and two companies, Rholavision Engineering Limited and Josmon Technologies Limited with 10 counts of misappropriation on Nov. 30, 2020.

    Justice Charlies Abgaza ruling in a no-case- submission filed by the defendants ruled that EFCC failed to establish prima facie case against the co-defendants.

    Agbaza held that no ingredients of any offence was made out by the 11 witnesses that testified for the EFCC.

    He further held that EFCC did not establish that Babachir Lawal was either a member of the Presidential Initiative for North East (PINE) that awarded the contract or a member of the Ministerial Tenders Board that vetted and gave approval to the disputed contract.

    The judge held that EFCC also failed to link Babachir Lawal with Bureau of Public Procurement BPP that issued a certificate of no objection to the contract before it was awarded.

    Agbaza therefore discharged all the defendants of the 10-count charges against them for want of evidence to link them with the purported offence.

    They had pleaded not guilty to the charges when they first appeared before the late Justice Jude Okeke on Feb. 13, 2019.

    The EFCC alleged that Lawal, while he was the SGF, converted and awarded cumulative proceeds of grass cutting contracts worth over N544 million to companies he had interests in.

    They also pleaded not guilty the allegations against them when they were rearriagned before Justice Agbaza.

  • Bishop says Babachir Lawal not qualified to speak for northern Christians

    Bishop says Babachir Lawal not qualified to speak for northern Christians

    The President and Founder of Living Stone Church Assembly, Bishop Jonas Katung has said former Secretary to the government of the federation, Babachir Lawal is not qualified to speak for Northern Nigeria Christians.

    Bishop Kating stated this on Friday where he said Pentecostal bishops from northern Nigeria should be commended for meeting with the APC presidential candidat, Bola Tinubu.

    He said the meeting provided them the opportunity to draw attention to the plight of christians in the region, and that Babachir Lawa was unqualified to condemn the meeting as he did not belong to the Pentecostal fold.

    Also Read

    Babachir Lawal described church leaders as fake bishops; Cleric

    The cleric, who spoke in Jos said the recent comment made by the former SGF where he described the respected church leaders as fake bishops was mischievous.

    He, however, questioned Lawal’s moral right to speak for Christians as, according to him, the former SGF was unceremoniously relieved of the position for conduct that was not in line with Christian teachings.

    He said Lawal’s actions depicted how low he could go for his selfish ambition even if it meant smearing God’s anointed servants.

    “Of course, Babachir Lawal, who does not belong to the Pentecostal fold, is in no way qualified to assess who a bishop is or question their call.

    “As church leaders and concerned citizens, we as a group of Pentecostal bishops from northern Nigeria, the region which is most aggrieved by the same faith ticket decision of the APC, decided to engage with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the person who is at the center of the controversy, to express the concerns and fears of the Christian community not only in northern Nigeria but the country as a whole and to give him an opportunity to explain his decision.”

  • Babachir Lawal described church leaders as fake bishops – Cleric

    Babachir Lawal described church leaders as fake bishops – Cleric

    Founder of Living Stone Assembly, a Jos based church, Bishop Jonas Katung has alleged former Secretary to Government of the Federation(SGF) Babachir Lawal failed to protect the interest of Christians and the church in President BuharI’s administration.

    Katung also said the former SGF abandoned his religion and became self-centered for the three years he was in office.

    He made the allegeations in a statement in Jos while reacting to a statement accredited to Babachir Lawal.

    Katung said: “My attention has been drawn to a press statement issued by Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation in which he made disparaging remarks against Pentecostal Bishops from Northern Nigeria who held an interactive meeting with Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in FCT Abuja on 22nd September, 2022.”

    He explained that the purpose of the meeting with the APC Presidential flagbearer was to hear from him why he chose a Muslim running mate instead of a Christian.

    “As church leaders and concerned citizens, a group of Pentecostal Bishops from Northern Nigeria- the region which is most aggrieved by the same faith ticket decision of the APC, decided to engage with Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu – the person who is at the centre of the controversy to inter alia, express the concerns and fears of the Christian community not only in Northern Nigeria but the country as a whole and to give him opportunity to explain his decision.

    “As Archbishop John Praise aptly captures it at the interface, this is in line with biblical principles contained in John 7:51 that no one should be condemned without first giving him a hearing, a principle that is also encapsulated in the constitution of our country.

    “At the meeting, notable and respected church leaders including Archbishop John Praise – the National Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Rev. Danjuma Byang all spoke to highlight the marginalisation and injustice meted to Christians in the North over the years which has created mistrust in Christians in Nigeria in the muslim-muslim ticket of the APC. The Christian leaders also emphasised that the interface was not in any way an endorsement of the same faith ticket of the APC.

    “It is important to note that the church consists of members belonging to different political parties and not being partisan, it must not portray a posture of antagonism to any political party without first having a full appreciation of their decisions and actions. The efforts of the church leaders to bring to the attention of the APC flag bearer the plight and fears of Christians in Northern Nigeria ought to be commended by all people of goodwill especially Christians.

    “It therefore came to me as a shock that Babachir Lawal, an eleventh hour Christian champion had the effrontery to describe these church leaders as fake bishops in his ill-motivated press statement.

    “The question Babachir Lawal must answer is why is it now that he suddenly found his voice to speak for Christians in Nigeria? It is on record that Babachir Lawal was Secretary to the Government of the Federation under the Buhari Administration for about three years before he was unceremoniously relieved of the position for conduct not in accord with Christian teachings. In that time, Christians have suffered unimaginable marginalization in appointments into offices by the government and while many concerned Christians voiced their displeasure at the glaring injustice on adherents of the faith, Babachir Lawal recoiled to his cocoon not wanting to put his position to risk.

    “But being a poor student of scripture or worse still a coward of faith, Babachir forgot the words of our Lord in Mark 8:37 – 38 and Luke 17:33 that “whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” Little wonder he lost his position which he coveted more above the general interest of the Christian fold in a most disgraceful manner.”

    Katung maintained Christians have agitated that after eight years of Buhari, power should shift to a southern Christian.

    However, Babachir Lawal disengaged himself from this course and rooted for Tinubu, a southern Muslim to emerge as APC presidential candidate in the hope that he would be picked as running mate.

    ” By so doing, he clandestinely sabotaged the struggle of Christians to produce the next president for his selfish ambition.

    “It was when BAT overlooked him and picked Kashim Shettima that suddenly Babachir Lawal became a self- appointed Northern Christian leader championing the Christian course.

    “Christians are not fools, they know their leaders, they know people who passed through dangers, toils, snares and martyrdom for the course of the faith. Babachir Lawal does not by any stretch of imagination fit the description of a Christian leader. As Secretary to the Government of the Federation what was his impact on the church?

    “His sudden renaissance as champion of the faith is never altruistic but rather self-serving and actuated by blind and selfish ambition. He must not be allowed to use the church to fight his selfish battles. He was never there for the church and cannot now speak for her.

    “His description of respected church leaders as fake bishops simply because they gave his friend turned enemy a chance to be heard depicts how low he can go for his selfish ambition even if it means smearing God’s anointed servants.”

    Stressing further, the Bishop said: “Of course Babachir Lawal, who does not belong to the Pentecostal fold and is in no way qualified to assess who a bishop is or question their call, may have the right to disagree with the steps taken by the Northern Pentecostal bishops but he has no right to impugn their integrity or use uncouth language against them.

    “While Babachir Lawal was busy chasing the vain things of this world, these men of God labored over the years to raise congregations of royal priesthoods for the kingdom. I would advise Babachir Lawal to toe the path of caution as he pursues his selfish ambition and not to use the church to fight his personal battles.”