The Presidency has launched a scathing attack on former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, describing him as a “fair-weather friend” and “opportunist” following his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The rebuke came after Lawal made derogatory remarks against the President during a Monday interview on Channels Television, prompting a strong response from the administration.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, dismissed Lawal’s comments as “a poorly scripted attempt to bait President Bola Tinubu” in a statement posted on social media platform X.
Dare highlighted what he described as Lawal’s political inconsistency, recalling how the former SGF had previously declared that “the wrath of God should befall anyone who stood in Tinubu’s way to the presidency.” The presidential aide expressed disappointment that the same individual was now making disparaging remarks about the President and his office.
“This is the same man Babachir once swore the ‘wrath of God’ should fall upon anyone who stood in Tinubu’s way to the presidency. Today, he casually flings insults at that very man, calling him names, disrespecting his office and making derogatory references,” Dare stated.
The presidency characterized Lawal as someone “gasping for political oxygen” and accused him of being a “clout chaser and clay-footed political crusader” whose recent media appearances reveal “a deeply troubled soul, slowly unraveling.”
Dare particularly criticized Lawal’s Monday television appearance, describing it as displaying “incoherence and desperation” that revealed “ideological inconsistency like a badge of honor.”
In a direct message to the former SGF, the presidential aide warned that public tolerance for his criticism has limits. “Babachir Lawal, please look in the mirror. Your account of events wobbles and is not the only one. Those who watch closely are only tolerating your flight of fancy for now. This indulgence will not last forever,” Dare stated.
While acknowledging Lawal’s right to express dissent, the presidency drew a line at what it considers disrespectful treatment of the presidential office. “Throw your tantrums if you must, but know when to stop short of denigrating the office and person of the President,” the statement concluded.
The exchange reflects growing tensions between the Tinubu administration and some former allies who have become critical of the government’s policies and performance since taking office.
Lawal, who served as SGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has previously made controversial statements about various political figures and situations, establishing himself as an outspoken commentator on Nigerian politics.
