Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has defended himself against renewed criticism over the controversial “grass-cutting” scandal that led to his removal from office while intensifying his attacks on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his supporters.
In a lengthy statement titled “Kachalla 2,” Lawal said recent criticism directed at him following his comments on Atiku had focused on his removal from office rather than addressing the substance of his arguments.
The former SGF maintained that his dismissal was politically motivated, alleging that some political actors viewed his close relationship with former President Muhammadu Buhari as a threat and orchestrated efforts to force him out of office.
According to Lawal, investigations and subsequent court proceedings cleared him of wrongdoing. He noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) called several witnesses during his trial, none of whom implicated him in the contract award process or its execution. He added that he and other defendants were eventually discharged and acquitted following a no-case submission.
Lawal also rejected the “grass-cutting” label attached to the controversy, arguing that the project involved the clearing of waterways along the Komadugu-Yobe River and other environmental and agricultural interventions aimed at restoring irrigation, fishing and farming activities in the region.
He said the consultancy contract linked to a company he formerly owned was worth N7.2 million and formed only a small component of a larger project valued at about N540 million. According to him, the project was fully executed and certified by relevant authorities before payments were made.
The former SGF further accused supporters of Atiku of launching coordinated attacks against him on social media following his criticism of the former vice president’s presidential ambition.
Lawal questioned Atiku’s public stance on insecurity and banditry, alleging that the former vice president had failed to sufficiently condemn attacks carried out by armed groups across different parts of the country. He argued that Nigerians have a right to scrutinise the character, competence and public record of anyone seeking the nation’s highest office.
The former SGF also raised concerns about some businesses associated with Atiku, claiming that several of them were struggling or had been divested from, while questioning the state of infrastructure at the former vice president’s university.
Lawal insisted that his criticisms were driven by concerns about Nigeria’s future and urged political stakeholders to carefully assess candidates seeking elective office ahead of the next presidential election.
Atiku Abubakar and his representatives had not responded to Lawal’s latest claims as of the time of filing this report.
