Osinbajo’s committee begins work as CAN official alleges religion played role in Babachir, Oke’s suspension

From Musa Solomon,Yola
The Presidential Committee ordered earlier this week by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe some allegations against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Lawal, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mr. Ayo Oke has commenced its work in earnest.
A statement from the presidency comes as the National President of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr Daniel David Kadzai, has alleged that the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration is victimizing those that do not belong to his faith.
Kadzai, who spoke to journalists Friday at Yola International Airport on his way to Abuja, noted that the recent suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Babachir David Lawal and the Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ayo Oke, is a confirmation that religion has become immunity under this administration.
He argued that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) acting chairman Ibrahim Magu, was indicted by Department of State Services, but he is still in office due to the religion he practiced.
“I’m not in support of corruption the suspension of the duo is in order , the question is why is the president been selective? Magu has been indicted by a reputable security organization like DSS, but the president still keeps him illegally in office, so if not religion what defense can Buhari give us for keeping an indicted officer in office and suspending those that are only accused,” he stated.
He said he should not misunderstood him as fighting for the two suspended officials, but that it is the selective nature of operations by the present government.
“We in the Christian community did not know Babachir as a Christian, he does not identify with us Christians, he does not attend our functions, as far as we are concerned he is not a practicing Christian, so we cannot speak for him, but it is thelopsided fight against corruption by this government that is the problem not Babachir issue,” he maintained.
The CAN youth wing national president disclosed that the SGF ran into troubled waters when he queried the registrar of JAMB for contracting Jaiz bank which has less than 20 percent presence in the country to register students for the examination.
He alleged that the controversial suspension of Babachir and Oke and allowing indicted Magu to remain in office is part of a grand design to replace them with Muslims.
“I’m talking based on what is on ground. For three months the present Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN ) was acting, Buhari did not send his name to Senate for confirmation because he is a Christian from Cross-River State, because the government wanted the next in command, a Muslim, from Bauchi state, it was by God’s divine intervention that the then acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo sent his name to Senate and he was confirmed before the return of the president,”.
“Magu who is already indicted, his name has been sent to the Senate more than twice and the president did not suspend him in order to investigate the allegations against him, because of Magu’s religious immunity,” he maintained.
He reminded the president that he should remember that he needs every Nigerian to succeed, adding that 2019 is near the corner and his actions will determine his return with his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, the presidency statement by spokesman to the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande recalls that President Buhari last Wednesday established the 3-man panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami; and National Security Adviser, (Rtd) Major General Babagana Munguno as members, to investigate allegations of legal and due process violations made against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF and the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in a residential apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.
In the discharge of its work, the panel is expected to invite all relevant officials and private individuals who may be connected to both cases. It will also obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw some light on the issues raised in both cases. All its proceedings will however be in closed sessions to avoid speculations, allow for full disclosure and enhance the pace of proceedings.
The panel which is expected to submit its report to the President at the expiration of the 14-day deadline, will conduct it’s work with utmost diligence and without fear or favour.