Buhari has ordered Emefiele to resign from CBN before Monday, SGF Boss Mustapha says
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered Governor Godwin Emefiele to resign from the Central Bank of Nigeria over his intention to run for president in the upcoming general elections.
The president’s directive came via a circular on Thursday that asked multiple categories of public officeholders seeking different elective positions next year to resign now and concentrate on their endeavours, according to a statement issued by the cabinet secretary Boss Mustapha.
Mr Mustapha said ministers, heads of extra ministerial departments, and political officeholders, amongst other categories, have been asked to step down before May 16. Mr Emefiele as the head of CBN is captured in the circular, according to two permanent secretaries interviewed by Peoples Gazette.
Several ministers and political officeholders eyeing primaries later this month have already resigned from office over the past 24 hours, and many more are expected to stand down before the end of the week.
Mr Emefiele has rejected calls to step down and protect the independence and impartiality of the central bank, but he rejected the calls despite actively seeking the presidential nomination of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He has filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to declare him suitable to run for president while serving as CBN governor. A decision is expected later today on the matter.
It was unclear whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari had the powers to order Mr Emefiele’s resignation or dismissal because the CBN Act emphasises the independence of CBN from external influence, though President Goodluck Jonathan suspended Lamido Sanusi as CBN governor in 2014. Although the decision was deemed highly controversial, it was never invalidated by the courts.
Details shortly…
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
Gov Makinde makes May Day promise to pay new minimum wage
Governor Seyi Makinde has assured workers that his administration will implement the new minimum wage.
States
Police arrest three suspected Niger thugs with illegal firearms
The police command in Niger has arrested three suspects over alleged thuggery and illegal possession of prohibited firearms.
Rights
Court dismisses case, fines lawyer for suing Nigerian President Tinubu over extrajudicial killings
The lawyer alleged that the wanton loss of human lives in Nigeria put him as a “person” described under section 33 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution in apprehension.
Economy
NUATE’s Condition of Service: Aviation workers demand review of FAAN, NSIB, others
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has called for an urgent review of aviation agencies’ conditions of service.
Education
Nigeria’s out-of-school children rushing to mining sites: Report
Mining communities continue to experience a rise in out-of-school children due to their pursuit of quick money, a study finds.
Heading 3
We’re still haggling over new minimum wage with NLC, TUC, says Tinubu in May Day speech
Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.