By Ahmed Idris
President Muhammadu Buhari has told the nation’s anti-graft agencies to go after the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and the former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke.
The two men were sacked by the President earlier on Monday after they were indicted of corruption by a panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
In a statement released on his behalf by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the President said he wont interfere with the work of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission which were already investigating the two men.
“The President has taken the administrative action. All other actions will be taken by relevant government agencies.
“The position of the President, therefore, is that investigation 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.
“The President who is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution 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 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,” the statement read.
