By Chukwudi Enekwechi
Many Nigerians are pleased that President Muhammadu Buhari has assembled a formidable team of technocrats and experienced administrators to help him in steering the ship of state and deliver the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians. At the helm of this group of eminent Nigerians is Mr. Babachir Lawal, who has in the course of executing the responsibilities of his high office become a victim of a witch-hunt. To cite an example, why would the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria call for the resignation of the Secretary to the Federal Government?
For a start, this respected Nigerian was appointed on account of his loyalty to the President and Nigeria, and based on his track record of high integrity and commitment to nation-building. Since his assumption of office, he has worked tirelessly in seeing to the realization of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cardinal programmes.
Obviously, his loyalty to Mr. President is not in question, neither is his competence nor ability to help drive the diversification policy of the present administration. Many observers have attributed his present travails to the on-going trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The question to ask is whether it is fair and just for the Senate President to use the platform of the hallowed chambers to settle personal scores.
It is necessary to realize that the Code of Conduct tribunal that is conducting the trial of Mr. Saraki is under the supervision of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This does not in any way imply any sort of interference in the affairs of the tribunal by the SGF in proceedings of the tribunal. The policy of zero tolerance for corruption under the present administration is clear and unambiguous, and Mr. Babachir Lawal has led the way in seeing to the actualization of President Buhari’s agenda in this regard.
It is, therefore, important that distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic are not in any way hoodwinked into carrying out the agenda of an individual or group of persons. As the representatives of their various senatorial zones, and lawmakers, it is expected that they conduct their affairs with the highest level of decorum. They ought not to be seen to depart from honourable ways, and serving as a pillar of support for the executive in providing leadership for Nigerians.
To all intents and purposes, Babachir Lawal has not shirked his duties as Nigeria’s number one public servant, and it is expected that all well-meaning people will support him to continue to serve the country to the best of his ability.
Even when there are infractions on the part of the SGF, it is within the power of Mr. President to query him. Yet, under the circumstances the Senate is calling for the resignation of Babachir Lawal as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, there is absolutely no justification for it, as he has not violated any law.
Definitely, there is no conflict of interest in the way and manner he carried out his responsibilities, as he does not award contracts. Going by available evidence, Mr. Lawal had duly resigned from all the companies he had interest in before assuming office as SGF. By doing that, he has complied with the laws of the land and the Code of Conduct for public officers.
It is, therefore, worrisome that the Senate will choose to persecute an innocent man for no other reason than his dedication to his oath of office, and loyalty to Mr. President. The Senate as an arm of government is expected to channel its energy towards addressing the myriad of socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.
Already, President Muhammadu Buhari is doing all within his power to make the future better for all Nigerians, and the least expected of the Senate is to lend their legislative support. A situation where the Senate will choose to be confrontational over minor issues will not augur well for the nation. It has been acknowledged by most Nigerians that through the diligent work of Babachir Lawal, the bureaucratic bottlenecks militating against rapid development and good governance have been reduced to the barest minimum, and, in some cases, removed outright.
So, what is the justification of jeopardizing the good works of the SGF especially when the President appreciates the sacrifices he is making in the interest of the country? It does not augur well for the nation, when committed people are discouraged from giving their best to the country, rather than commending them for contributing their quota to the arduous task of nation building.
The task before President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is daunting, and all hands must be on deck to ensure that it remains focused. So far, Nigerians are elated at the ability of Mr. President and his team to steer the ship of state successfully, despite numerous challenges. In an era of recession, all patriotic Nigerians are expected to key into several government initiatives aimed at restoring the nation’s glorious past.
From all indications, President Buhari and his team led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation are well prepared for the job, and ultimately Nigerians will benefit. Through various policies which are anchored on the diversification policy, President Buhari’s administration is bent on rescuing Nigeria from the pangs of underdevelopment, hunger and poverty, and as lawmakers, the Senate can be partners in realizing the objectives for the good of all.
In doing that, they must appreciate the pivotal role that the SGF can play in ensuring the full implementation of Mr. President’s vision for the country. This is not the time for such distraction as calling for the resignation or sack of a key player like Babachir Lawal, more so as he has not been found wanting in the performance of his duties, neither has he committed any illegal act. As a people, we must begin to pour encomiums on public officers when they perform, as this will spur them into working harder for the country as a whole.
Enekwechi writes from Abuja