Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sule Lamido, has offered a revealing account of the behind-the-scenes power play and emotional tension that accompanied the awarding and temporary suspension of the contract for the ministry’s permanent headquarters during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration (1999–2007).
In his recently launched autobiography, Being True To Myself, unveiled on May 13, Lamido dedicates pages 197 to 202 to narrate a significant episode involving the Federal Executive Council (FEC), a highly recommended construction firm, and a moment of personal conviction that tested his resolve as a public servant.
Lamido recounts that the FEC, in a session presided over by President Obasanjo, had approved the contract for the building’s construction. The construction firm, C. Cappa, was recommended by respected council members, including the then Minister of Defence, Lt. General TY Danjuma, and Finance Minister, Adamu Ciroma. Both men endorsed the company due to its impressive record, particularly having built the Federal Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs offices in Lagos—structures which were held in high regard at the time.
However, only two days after the council’s approval, while Lamido was on an official trip abroad, he returned to discover that President Obasanjo had unilaterally suspended the contract. This unexpected reversal shocked Lamido, who expressed his dismay over the President’s written remarks on the memo.
On the evening before confronting Obasanjo at the Villa, Lamido described his deep sense of spiritual anxiety and the heartfelt prayer he offered during the holy month of Ramadan. After performing the Isha prayer at his residence in Ministers’ Hill, Maitama, he prayed:
> “Oh Allah, give me the strength and courage to stand up to whatever he says. Don’t allow me to fear losing my position and abandon my principles. I’m leaving this house as a Minister; I may not come back as a Minister. I have no problem with that, but God guide me, save my faith.”
Determined to defend both his integrity and office, Lamido confronted President Obasanjo with respectful firmness, stating:
> “Sir, the Chairman of the company that got the contract is your friend, Shonekan—your townsman and former Interim National Government Head. There is no way I could have accepted money from him. If you’ve lost confidence in me, please tell me directly. Don’t humiliate me publicly. But so long as I am your Minister, I must be allowed to function with full authority, or not be there at all.”
Lamido expressed his frustration over the President’s decision to suspend the contract publicly at a Council meeting without first seeking clarification. He emphasized that such an act undermined his credibility among his ministerial colleagues.
President Obasanjo, in response to Lamido’s passionate plea, agreed to reverse the suspension, saying:
> “Okay, Sule, tomorrow at the Council meeting, I will lift the suspension on the contract. And it will go ahead. Are you happy now?”
When Lamido confirmed that he was, Obasanjo—displaying his trademark mix of gruffness and humor—dismissed him with a jest:
> “Stupid boy, get out of my sight.”
Lamido left the meeting both relieved and grateful, his prayers answered and his faith in his principles affirmed. The contract was indeed resumed and successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the ministry’s history.
This personal and political episode reflects not only the inner workings of government decision-making during Obasanjo’s presidency but also Lamido’s commitment to integrity, personal faith, and public service.
