ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s president on Wednesday suspended the country’s intelligence chief over the recent discovery of $43 million in cash in a Lagos apartment.
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into how the National Intelligence Agency came to claim the money and whether any laws were broken, a government statement said.
The discovery of the cash in both local and foreign currencies by the country’s anti-corruption commission caused a sensation in this West African nation where the graft is rampant.
Buhari has ordered the suspension of the director-general of the intelligence agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke until the investigation is complete, the statement said.
The investigation has been given two weeks to report to the president.
Separately, Buhari has ordered an investigation into alleged wrongdoing in the award of contracts under the government office that coordinates the humanitarian response in Nigeria’s northeast, which for years has suffered from the Boko Haram Islamic insurgency.
The secretary to the federal government, David Babachir Lawal, has been suspended pending that investigation, the statement said.
Nigerians react to suspension of Babachir Lawal, Ayo Oke
Nigerians on social media have reacted to the suspension of the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke and the Secretary-General of the Federation, Engineer Babachir David Lawal.
Most Nigerians said the decision was a welcome development and expressed confidence in the Buhari’s administration, while others see the decision as coming a little late.
Salam Alekun wrote, “I like the manner in which PMB does not rush to decision making. There are lots of wisdom behind it.
Dr. Uzomata wrote, “He has proven to be a true democrat more than those who never wore police uniform before.
Also reacting, Anthony recalled, “Remember PMB said no sacred cow in his government, when you’ve been compromised, you step aside.
However, some others believe the decision came a little late.
Kwame Koffi wrote, “After 4 months.”
Buhari won the election in 2015 on a promise to halt corruption.
