Sule Lamido Recounts Moment of Courage During Obasanjo’s Presidency: “I’m Leaving This House as a Minister; I May Not Return as a Minister”

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Sule Lamido has opened up about a tense moment during his time in office under President Olusegun Obasanjo. In his autobiography, Being True to Myself, Lamido shared a personal story of integrity, prayer, and a brush with political uncertainty.

As reported by Vanguard, the issue stemmed from a contract awarded to C. Cappa, a reputable construction firm, for the development of a permanent office for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project had received the Federal Executive Council’s approval, but while Lamido was away on official duty abroad, President Obasanjo abruptly halted the contract.

Shocked by the sudden reversal, Lamido returned to Nigeria troubled and deeply concerned about his position. It was during the holy month of Ramadan, and before confronting the president, he turned to prayer for strength and clarity. “I’m leaving this house as a Minister; I may not come back as a Minister,” Lamido prayed, preparing himself for the worst.

When he met with President Obasanjo, Lamido defended his actions, highlighting that the contractor in question was someone Obasanjo personally knew and that he had acted in good faith. He made it clear that his conscience was clean and his intentions honest.

Moved by Lamido’s sincerity and courage, Obasanjo agreed to reverse the suspension the following day. True to his word, the president reinstated the contract. As Lamido left the room, Obasanjo lightheartedly called him a “stupid boy,” to which Lamido responded with laughter and gratitude, relieved and thankful that he had stood his ground.

Thanks to that decision, the ministry building was eventually completed — a testament to a moment where conviction and transparency prevailed over politics.