Inside Job? Lamido Reveals Explosive Intrigues In Foreign Affairs Building Contract

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Sule Lamido, has revealed compelling behind-the-scenes details surrounding the approval and temporary suspension of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ permanent office complex during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. These revelations are contained in his newly published autobiography, Being True To Myself.

Lamido recounted that the contract for the ministry’s headquarters was formally approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in a session chaired by President Obasanjo. The construction firm, C. Cappa, was strongly endorsed by several council members, including then Defence Minister, Lt. General TY Danjuma, and Finance Minister Adamu Ciroma. Their recommendation was rooted in the company’s proven track record, having previously handled high-profile projects like the Defence and Foreign Affairs ministries in Lagos.

However, Lamido was stunned upon returning from an overseas assignment just two days after the contract’s approval to find that President Obasanjo had unilaterally suspended the project. He described his shock and frustration, especially after learning of the suspension through a presidential memo.

In the autobiography, Lamido reveals how distressed he felt before confronting the President, sharing a solemn prayer he made before leaving his residence that day: “I’m leaving this house as a Minister; I may not return as one. That’s okay. But God, guide me and preserve my faith.”

During the meeting with Obasanjo, Lamido expressed deep concern over the manner in which the contract was suspended without prior discussion. He defended his integrity, highlighting that the company’s chairman, Ernest Shonekan—Obasanjo’s friend, fellow Egba indigene, and former Head of the Interim National Government—was someone he had no inappropriate dealings with.

Lamido urged the President to handle such matters privately if ever he felt disappointed in him, rather than issue a public suspension that could damage his reputation. “If you feel I’m failing you, please don’t humiliate me in public,” he pleaded.

Moved by the appeal, Obasanjo reportedly assured him that the suspension would be reversed at the next FEC meeting. “Okay, Sule, tomorrow at the Council meeting, I will lift the suspension on the contract. And it will go ahead. Are you happy now?” Lamido replied with relief, “I am happy.”

In a characteristically playful tone, Obasanjo ended the meeting with a lighthearted jab: “Stupid boy, get out of my sight.” Lamido left the room feeling vindicated and grateful.

The contract ultimately proceeded, and the ministry’s office complex was successfully completed.