Some prominent Nigerians from the North have dissociated themselves from a recent statement by Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Recall that Babachir Lawal, at the weekend, claimed that Nigeria collapsed after President Bola Tinubu’s swearing-in on May 29, 2023.
Lawal said Tinubu’s announcement of fuel subsidy removal on the day of the inauguration plunged the country into economic malady, stressing that the policy was launched before the assembling of the cabinets.
Reacting, some northerners under the aegis of the Northern Congress for Change, NCC, said Lawal doesn’t represent the interest of the North, noting that his assertions are unfounded and spurious.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the convener of the group, Dr. Ben Amodu, said Lawal was only suffering from his failed support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, Peter Obi.
The group further lambasted the former SGF, saying his comments are inconsequential and irrelevant to the country. It cited his alleged misappropriation of public funds while in office.
“We put it forward to everyone that David Babachir Lawal’s statements are not only misguided but also hypocritical. Still reeling from the grass-cutting scandal and his failed support for Peter Obi, he lacks the moral authority and temerity to criticize President Tinubu’s administration.
“Lawal’s involvement in the grass-cutting scandal and subsequent removal from office due to allegations of financial impropriety significantly tarnished his reputation. Lawal will always be Inconsequential and irrelevant in a discussion of prosperous government.
“Babachir David Lawal’s criticisms exemplify this phenomenon, in which vested interests and reactionary elements seek to impede the march of progress.
“Nevertheless, we must not permit the dissonant voices of the past to stifle the remarkable advancements of the present. As we gaze into the future, many promising prospects await Nigeria.
“The Northern Congress for Change implores Nigerians to disregard David Babachir Lawal’s unfounded and spurious assertions and concentrate on the tangible progress and significant strides being made under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership”, Amodu added.
