Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sule Lamido, has revealed the behind-the-scenes drama that nearly derailed the construction of the ministry’s permanent headquarters in Abuja, shedding light on a tense moment during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
In his newly released autobiography “Being True To Myself”, launched on May 13, Lamido recalls a conflict with President Obasanjo over the suspension of the contract for the ministry’s office complex — a decision he says was taken in his absence and without warning.
Lamido said the contract, awarded to construction firm C. Cappa, had received glowing endorsements during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by Obasanjo. Endorsements came from key cabinet members, including then Defence Minister Lt. General TY Danjuma and Finance Minister Adamu Ciroma, who praised the company’s track record, notably its work on the Defence and Foreign Affairs buildings in Lagos.
However, just two days after the FEC approval, Lamido, then on a foreign assignment, returned to discover that Obasanjo had suspended the contract.
“I was upset when I saw what he had written on the council memo,” Lamido writes, recounting the emotional turmoil he experienced during Ramadan that day. Before heading to the Villa to confront the president, he prayed for strength and resolve, unsure if he would return still holding office.
Lamido detailed the confrontation:
“I told the President, ‘If you feel I am beginning to fail you, please don’t disgrace me in public. Call me and tell me. I will leave your government instantly.’”
He emphasized his commitment to serve with integrity and warned against being treated as a “shadow minister” without authority.
The confrontation appeared to strike a chord with Obasanjo, who relented.
“‘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.
Then, in a characteristic blend of sarcasm and resolution, Obasanjo reportedly added, “Stupid boy, get out of my sight.”
Lamido said he left the meeting relieved and grateful:
“I ran out laughing but full of gratitude to Allah for answering my supplication.”
The contract ultimately proceeded and was completed, marking a pivotal moment in the development of Nigeria’s diplomatic infrastructure.
The former minister’s memoir offers a rare, candid look into the tension and power dynamics within the Obasanjo cabinet and underscores the personal convictions that shaped Lamido’s time in public office.
