In a turn of events, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, has asked the general public to do away with the widespread rumours that he would be contesting for office of the president in the 2023 general elections.
This is as a result of the diverse reactions to his purported purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Nomination and Expression of Interest forms which has been pegged at ₦100 million by the political party.
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In a report which was gotten by Africa Daily News, New York, three interest groups, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), “Friends of Emefiele” and “Emefiele Support Group” had purchased the forms on his behalf.
Reacting through his verified twitter handle, Emefiele said that, should he decide to contest for the political office, he would prefer to use his personal resources.
“I am humbled by the growing interest of those asking that I run for the office of president in the 2023 general elections: I have not come to that decision.
“I note and salute the sacrifices of those farmers and patriots going as far as raising personal funds and offering me presidential nomination forms: I thank them most profusely.
” However, should I answer their calls and decide to seek presidential nomination; I will use my own hard earned savings to buy my own nomination forms.
“I will do so without proxies, in an open and transparent manner in full compliance with the laws and Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
He said that he would continue to serve the country in his capacity as CBN governor until he received divine counsel to contest for a higher office.
“I will continue to serve and sacrifice for the good people of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This is a serious decision that requires God’s Divine intervention: in the next few days The Almighty will be so direct,” he said.
Earlie some a cross sections of Nigerians have criticized the decision of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, to join the 2023 presidential race.
Media reports had it on Friday that Emefiele had paid the stipulated N100 million to obtain the Nomination and Expression of Intent forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Following this development, Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, in a statement on Saturday, said Emefiele should have vacated his seat as CBN governor to enable him pursue his political career.
Akeredolu said that the CBN governor could not combine partisan politics with the very sensitive demands of his office at the apex bank.
“The News of the purchase of Declaration of Intent and Nomination forms to contest for the office of the president on the platform of the APC, Emefiele has been received with disbelief.
“This act, if unchecked, portends danger for the fragile economy of the country.
“The combined effect of the Public Service Rules, the CBN Act and the 1999 constitution confirms the illegality of the act.
“Consequently, we admonish Emefiele to leave office, immediately, for him to pursue his interest. He cannot combine partisan politics with the very delicate assignment of his office,” he said.
According to renowned lawyer Mr Jite Ogunyi, Emefiele acted unlawfully in joining the APC.
“By the combined provisions of Public Service Rules, the Constitution of 1999, and the CBN Act,, the CBN Governor acted unlawfully in joining the APC and seeking to contest for the presidency,” Ogunyi said.
The Socio – Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP), an NGO, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately relieve Emefiele of position as CBN governor.
“We urge President Buhari to exercise his power under the CBN Act to immediately remove Emefiele over his engagement in partisan politics, contrary to section nine of the CBN,” SERAP said in a statement.
