Rita Odafe
Sule Lamido, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, has revealed the behind-the-scenes events that led to the establishment of the ministry’s permanent office complex during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure from 1999 to 2007.
In his autobiography, “Being True To Myself,” which was launched on May 13, Lamido detailed an incident surrounding the award, suspension, and subsequent reinstatement of the building contract, particularly on pages 197-202.
He recounted that during a meeting led by President Obasanjo, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had endorsed the contract for the construction.
Lamido noted that the firm C. Cappa was highly recommended by members of the council, including then-Defence Minister Lt. General TY Danjuma and Finance Minister Adamu Ciroma, who praised the company’s strong reputation and prior work on the Federal Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in Lagos. Notably, the Defence Ministry building was regarded as the finest structure of its time.
However, just two days after Lamido’s departure for an overseas assignment, Obasanjo opted to suspend the contract.
Upon his return, Lamido expressed his displeasure at the President’s note on the council memo.
He shared, “Before heading to the Villa, I was at home at Ministers’ Hill in Maitama, where several ministers reside. This was during Ramadan, and although the sun had set, I was unable to eat properly due to my distress. After the Isha prayer, before departing for the Villa, I engaged in two raka’at prayers, making a heartfelt supplication to Allah:
‘Now, I am going to meet the President of Nigeria, leaving my house as a Minister, uncertain if I will return to that status after our meeting.
‘Oh Allah, grant me the resilience and bravery to face whatever he presents. Don’t allow me to fear losing my position or compromising my principles. Please, Ya Allah, strengthen my faith.
‘I am departing this house as a Minister; I may not return in that capacity. I am at peace with that, but God, please guide me and preserve my faith.’ That was my mindset as I left for my meeting with the President.’
After expressing his dissatisfaction, Lamido told the President, “Sir, something seems amiss. The head of the company awarded the contract is your friend, Shonekan, a fellow townsman and former Head of the Interim National Government. I would never have accepted any form of payment from him.
‘If you truly feel that I am failing you as a Minister, and have lost faith in me, then please, don’t humiliate me publicly. Speak to me directly, and I will resign immediately.
‘While I serve you as a Minister, I must be recognized as someone exercising full authority. I cannot simply be a shadow. I will not accept that. I need to serve you with full conviction and commitment, earning your trust and respect. Otherwise, I shall no longer be in this position.
‘If there were concerns regarding the contract, you should have reached out to me for clarification. Instead, you chose to announce the contract’s suspension at the council. What do you expect my colleagues to think of me?’”
In reply, President Obasanjo stated, “Alright, Sule, at the next Council meeting tomorrow, I will reinstate the contract. It will proceed. Does that make you happy?” To which I responded, ‘Yes, I am pleased.’
“Obasanjo, in his usual style, said, ‘Foolish boy, get out of my sight.’ I exited laughing, filled with gratitude to Allah for answering my prayer.”
The contract ultimately moved forward and was successfully completed.
