"Babachir Lawal Accused of Arrogance by Tinubu's Advisor"
Former SGF Lawal Criticizes Tinubu Administration
In a recent development, Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the government's style, alleged nepotism, and ethnic favoritism.
Lawal, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari, accused the current administration of creating hardship for Nigerians through its policies and of being dominated by Yoruba participants where meetings were often conducted in Yoruba language. He also claimed that some party members had disrespected and hurled ethnic insults during campaign activities supporting Tinubu.
The background to Lawal’s criticisms includes his reported frustration over not being chosen as Tinubu’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election—a slot he allegedly expected to receive. This dissatisfaction, according to Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has driven Lawal's public dissent and harsh criticisms toward the Tinubu administration.
In response to Lawal's comments, the Special Adviser, Media & Public Communication to the President, Sunday Dare, issued a statement, suggesting that Lawal's attempts to bait Tinubu are disgraceful. The statement encourages Lawal to retrace his steps.
Lawal has further stated he cannot forgive Tinubu for what he perceives as arrogance and unapproachability. Additionally, Lawal sparked controversy by claiming that Tinubu did not actually win the 2023 presidential election, further undermining Tinubu’s legitimacy in the eyes of some Nigerians.
Regarding his dismissal from the Buhari administration, Lawal was controversially suspended and later dismissed in 2017 due to allegations of corruption linked to the mismanagement of funds intended for counter-insurgency efforts. His firing amidst this scandal marked the end of his tenure in Buhari’s government.
Lawal's later public engagement and criticisms of Tinubu's government suggest a continuance of his contentious political profile, often expressing dissatisfaction with ethnic favoritism and political patronage. His critiques have deepened public discourse on ethnic inclusivity and governance style in Nigeria’s current administration, exposing fissures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and highlighting internal party dissent related to political appointments and governance approaches.
In an interview on Channels Television, Lawal suggested that if he had been part of the Tinubu government, he might have been killed, sacked, or resigned by himself. He claimed he would have been sacked, resigned, or possibly killed in a Tinubu administration. However, it's important to note that Lawal's arrogance is not new, as evidenced by his past actions and words, according to his statement.
Dare also recalled that Lawal had displayed pride and questioned the presidency after his sack as SFG in 2017, implying that the presidency was a one-man office. Lawal's televised monologues do not make him relevant and remind Nigerians why he is no longer in office, according to the statement.
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