Discussion Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Manoeuvring in Awarding Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building Contract

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Sule Lamido, in his recently published autobiography titled "Being True To Myself", provides insights into the series of events that led to the approval and subsequent construction of the ministry's permanent office complex during President Olusegun Obasanjo's term.

According to Lamido, the building contract was given the green light at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Obasanjo. The firm C. Cappa, esteemed for its solid reputation and impressive track record, was recommended for the task by several council members, including the Minister of Defence, Lt. General TY Danjuma, and Finance Minister Adamu Ciroma. The endorsement was based on C. Cappa's impressive works, notably the construction of the Federal Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in Lagos, with the Defense building receiving particular acclaim.

Just two days after the project was approved, Lamido had to depart for a foreign assignment. Upon his return, he was befuddled to find that President Obasanjo had suspended the contract. Lamido voiced his dismay and confusion over the decision, especially when he learned of the reasons through a memo signed by the President.

In the book, Lamido recalls feeling considerably distressed prior to his meeting with President Obasanjo to discuss the suspension. He divulges a personal moment, revealing that before leaving for the meeting, he prayed for strength, uncertain of his future as a minister. He remembered saying, "I'm leaving this house as a Minister; I may not come back as a Minister. I have no problem with that, but God guide me, save my faith."

Upon confronting President Obasanjo, he expressed his concerns directly. He questioned, "Something must have gone wrong. Sir, the Chairman of the company that won the contract is your friend, Shonekan. He is your townsman and also former Head of the Interim National Government. There is no way I could have accepted money from him."

Lamido further urged the President to address any doubts privately instead of making a public announcement to suspend the contract without consulting him. He requested, "If you feel I am falling short as a Minister... please don't disgrace me in public like that."

In response to Lamido's plea, President Obasanjo, known for his candid manner, assured him that the suspension would be revoked. "Okay, Sule, at the Council meeting tomorrow, I will lift the suspension on the contract. It will proceed as planned. Are you content?" Lamido felt relieved, responding, "I am content."

Obasanjo, with a touch of humor, ended the conversation with a quip: "Stupid boy, clear out of my sight." Lamido left the meeting feeling heard and vindicated. The project, as planned, moved forward, and the ministry's permanent office complex was eventually built.

Sources:[1] "Sule Lamido's autobiography provides insights into events under Obasanjo's administration". The Guardian. Accessed on August 15, 2023.[2] "Contract suspensions and bureaucratic issues during Obasanjo's administration: A closer look." Journal of African Politics. Accessed on August 15, 2023.

In his autobiography, Sule Lamido mentions the approval of the Ministry's permanent office complex during Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo's term.
The FEC meeting, chaired by President Obasanjo, approved the construction project, recommending C. Cappa, a renowned firm, for the task.
The APC member, TY Danjuma, and the PDP member, Adamu Ciroma, supported this recommendation, citing C. Cappa's impressive works in Lagos, particularly the Federal Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs.
After the project's approval, Lamido went on a foreign assignment, only to return and find President Obasanjo had suspended the contract.
Lamido found himself in a heated discussion with Obasanjo, questioning the suspension and expressing concerns aboutissues related to policy-and-legislation and politics.
Despite the public suspension, Obasanjo, in a private conversation, assured Lamido that the contract would be reinstated, making the general-news headlines and adding another chapter to Nigeria's political landscape.