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Prominent cleric Pastor Tunde Bakare acknowledges that while the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, may have made errors in judgment regarding the management of Nigeria’s monetary policy, it is crucial for the Federal Government not to solely hold him responsible as a scapegoat.
He said that considering the provisions of the CBN Act 2007, there is every possibility that the erstwhile CBN governor did not act without presidential authorization.
Bakare stated this during a state of the nation address where he made remarks on recent happenings in the country on Sunday.
While the cleric maintained that Emefiele should be prosecuted if found guilty of any crime, he noted that events before the 2023 presidential election points to the direction of political vendetta against the suspended CBN governor by President Bola Tinubu.
“Mr. Godwin Emefiele may have made erroneous judgement calls in the management of Nigeria’s monetary policy, yet he should not be used as a mere scapegoat.
“According to the provisions outlined in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007, there is a possibility that the former central bank governor did not act without proper authorization, potentially involving presidential consent.
“If Emefiele is found to be accountable for any wrongdoing, he should undoubtedly undergo appropriate legal proceedings. However, it’s essential to consider the intricate context of the pre-election atmosphere and the public allegation made by then-candidate Bola Tinubu, suggesting that the naira redesign policy was aimed at him. The optics of the president singling out Emefiele for prosecution shortly after winning the election and assuming the presidency might be perceived as an act of vengeance, which is unbecoming of such an esteemed office,” expressed Bakare.
Furthermore, Bakare criticized the Department of State Services (DSS) for their role in Emefiele’s arrest and detention, voicing concerns over their professionalism and adherence to the principles of the rule of law.”
“Considering the DSS’s assertion that its actions were prompted by directives from higher authorities, the handling of the Emefiele case has conveyed a message to the global community. It suggests that the current president’s stance on the anti-corruption campaign is predominantly driven by a crackdown on perceived political opponents, leaving various other adversaries of Nigeria untouched,” he commented.
The embattled governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has remained under the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest on June 10, shortly after President Tinubu suspended him.
Emefiele faces charges brought forth by the Federal Government, pertaining to two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Following the court’s decision to grant Emefiele bail, the Federal Government submitted an application on August 3rd, seeking permission to appeal against the order granting bail to the suspended CBN governor.
The suspended CBN Governor swiftly responded by filing an appeal, aiming to halt the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to detain or prosecute him. These efforts are centered around allegations of illegal firearm and ammunition possession, as well as potentially other charges.
The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the proceedings to Tuesday, August 15th, in order to continue with the case’s deliberations.
