Acting SGF takes Babachir’s seat at FEC

The acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Habitat Lawal, has taken the Council Chamber’s seat of the suspended SGF, Babachir David Lawal.

At yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, the acting SGF was seated next to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, followed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winfred Oyo-Ita.

Our correspondent reports that throughout Buhari’s recent medical vacation in the United Kingdom, the acting SGF was made to sit behind ministers; leaving Babachir’s seat unoccupied during council meetings presided over by Osinbajo who was then acting as president.

The acting SGF, from Bauchi State, assumed the position in April sequel to Babachir’s suspension over the alleged award of millions of naira contracts to a company in which he had interest, Global Vision Limited, under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).

Habitat Lawal was at that time the most senior permanent secretary at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

A Presidency source simply told Daily Trust that it was Buhari’s decision that the acting SGF should occupy the seat during FEC meetings.

The source, who craved anonymity, said: “Mr President does not care whether the acting SGF is a junior to the Head of Service or not. Mr President believes that since Dr Habitat Lawal is acting as SGF, she has to occupy the SGF seat at council sessions. This started at the first council meeting which Mr President presided over after his return from London.”