Ex-SGF Babachir fires back at critics over “grass-cutting” scandal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has fired back at critics over his 2017 “grass cutting” scandal.

In a statement titled Kachalla 2, and posted on Facebook, Lawal dismissed the widespread attacks from Nigeria’s Fulani community and the supporters of former vice president Atiku Abubakar as lacking substance.

He described the 2017 “grass-cutting” scandal that led to his removal as a politically motivated setup orchestrated by powerful northern interests.

According to him, the individuals, at the time, were uncomfortable with his close ties to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He noted that he was discharged and acquitted in court on a no-case submission after EFCC witnesses failed to implicate him.

“The N7.2 million consultancy contract, part of a larger N540 million river-clearing project along the Komadugu Yobe River, was competitively bid and fully executed with no loss to the government,” Lawal said.

The project cleared over 320km of waterways choked by Typha grass and restored farmlands and fishing activities.

Lawal also accused his detractors of ignoring these facts while focusing on ethnic slurs.

He further lambasted Atiku’s supporters for what he called “Goebbelian propaganda,” questioning the PDP candidate’s silence on atrocities allegedly committed by Fulani bandits across Nigeria.

He asked why Atiku has not publicly condemned attacks on Hausa, Tiv, Birom, and other communities, or the murder of the Emir of Gobir and others.

“Pointing out the danger an Atiku presidency will pose… if that is how the Fulani race chooses to see it, so be it,” Lawal wrote.

He urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to consider replacing Atiku with a stronger candidate, if the party is serious about winning the 2027 presidential election.

The former SGF described Atiku’s business empire as largely distressed and defended his right to scrutinise the character and competence of a presidential aspirant.

He also vowed not to be silenced by online attacks.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​