Babachir rejects ‘grass-cutting’ label, questions Atiku

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has insisted that his removal from office was politically motivated rather than the result of corruption, as he renewed his criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his supporters.

In a statement titled “Kachalla 2,” Lawal responded to critics who have referenced the controversial “grass-cutting” scandal following his recent comments about Atiku’s presidential ambition.

The former SGF argued that his detractors had focused on his exit from office while ignoring the issues he raised about the former vice president.

Lawal claimed that his close relationship with former President Muhammadu Buhari made him a target of political opponents who allegedly sought to remove him from the influential SGF position.

According to him, investigations and court proceedings ultimately cleared him of any wrongdoing. He said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) called 14 witnesses during the trial, none of whom implicated him in the award or execution of the contracts under investigation.

He added that he and other defendants were discharged and acquitted after their lawyers successfully filed a no-case submission.

Defending himself against allegations linked to the so-called “grass-cutting” scandal, Lawal said the project in question involved the clearing of the Komadugu-Yobe River to restore water flow and support agriculture, fishing and pastoral activities in communities dependent on the river.

He explained that the consultancy contract linked to a company he once owned was valued at N7.2 million and was part of a larger intervention project worth about N540 million. He maintained that the contracts were fully executed and certified by relevant authorities before payments were made.

Lawal also accused supporters of Atiku of orchestrating attacks against him on social media because of his opposition to the former vice president’s political aspirations.

The former SGF questioned Atiku’s response to insecurity and banditry across the country, alleging that the former vice president had failed to publicly speak out strongly enough against attacks carried out by armed groups in several communities.

He further challenged Atiku’s credentials as a presidential contender, raising concerns about some businesses associated with him and the state of infrastructure at his university.

Lawal maintained that his comments were motivated by concerns about Nigeria’s future and argued that citizens have a responsibility to scrutinise the character and competence of anyone seeking the office of president.

As of the time of filing this report, Atiku Abubakar had not publicly responded to Lawal’s latest remarks.