Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sule Lamido, has offered a rare glimpse into the internal power plays and personal convictions that shaped the award and execution of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s permanent office complex during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
The account, detailed in his newly released autobiography “Being True To Myself” (pages 197–202), captures a tense episode involving the approval, abrupt suspension, and eventual reinstatement of the contract during Lamido’s tenure as minister.
According to Lamido, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Obasanjo, had approved the contract for the building, awarding it to construction firm C. Cappa. The company was highly recommended by prominent ministers at the time, including Minister of Defence, Lt. General TY Danjuma, and Finance Minister Adamu Ciroma. The company’s previous work — including the Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministries in Lagos — had earned it a solid reputation, with the Defence complex rated as one of the finest edifices of its time.
However, just two days after the contract’s approval, President Obasanjo suddenly suspended it — a decision Lamido only discovered upon returning from a foreign assignment.
Recalling his emotional turmoil during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Lamido described praying fervently before heading to the Villa, fearing that the meeting with Obasanjo might cost him his ministerial position.
In a bold confrontation, Lamido expressed deep displeasure over the President’s decision to suspend the contract without consulting him. He pointed out that the company’s chairman, Ernest Shonekan — Obasanjo’s fellow townsman and former Head of the Interim National Government — was someone he had no financial dealings with.
Lamido challenged the President directly:
“If you feel I am beginning to fail you, that you’ve lost faith in me, don’t disgrace me in public. Call me and tell me to step aside, and I will do so respectfully. But if I remain your Minister, I must be given full authority and the trust to act as one.”
The confrontation struck a chord with Obasanjo, who responded by promising to lift the suspension the following day during the next Council 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 recalled the President saying.
The moment ended on a lighter note as the President, true to his brusque style, quipped:
“Stupid boy, get out of my sight.”
Lamido said he left the room laughing — and full of gratitude to God.
The contract was subsequently reinstated and successfully executed, marking a significant milestone in the development of Nigeria’s diplomatic infrastructure.
Lamido’s autobiography was officially unveiled to the public on May 13, offering broader insights into his political journey and years in public service.
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