Babachir: EFCC, ICPC should continue with their investigations – Garba Shehu

-Presidency cannot order antigraft agencies to stop investigation against Babachir and Oke -Garba Shehu

President’s media aide Garba Shehu has disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari will not prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from its probe against the recently sacked public officials,  Babachir Lawal and Ayo Oke.

Shehu, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja, stating that President Buhari had taken the appropriate executive action against the two individuals, alleged of corruption.

President Buhari, had on Oct. 30, terminated the appointment of the previously suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and approved the appointment of Boss   Mustapha as the new SGF.

In the same vein, President Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, also approved the termination of the appointment of the suspended Director-General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke.

READ ALSO: Buhari never said Babachir Lawal was innocent – Femi Adesina

The presidential aide said: “”The President has taken the administrative action. All other actions will be taken by relevant government agencies.

“”The position of the President, therefore, is that investigative agencies, which have already commenced the investigation of the two officers removed from office, will go on with their work of investigation without any interference or hindrance.’’

According to Shehu, President Buhari is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution and will not stop the investigation of anyone “because he has no such power under our laws, adding this is a decision of the Supreme Court.

“”The President under our laws can, through the Attorney General enter a nolle prosequi to stop an on-going trial. He may upon conviction, order a pardon.

READ ALSO: PDP demands Buhari’s impeachment over Babachir Lawal’s sack

“”Beyond these, the president cannot order investigation agencies to not investigate anyone and does not intend to do so in this, or any other circumstance.

“Based on his wish and desire for a strict observance of the law, the President expects the EFCC, ICPC and such agencies to proceed with ongoing investigations..

“When and where they have reasonable grounds to charge former or serving officers to court under our laws, they do not require the permission of the President to do so.’’