Why I Didn’t Sack Emefiele As CBN Gov - Buhari
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Nigeria News
The former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has provided clarification on why he chose not to dismiss Godwin Emefiele from his position as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) upon assuming office in 2015.
Buhari addressed this matter amidst various revelations disclosed in a memoir titled "Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023)," authored by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina. The memoir was presented in Abuja on Tuesday.
The ex-President highlighted that the Naira redesign initiative led by Emefiele played a crucial role in ensuring a fair general election in 2023. He mentioned that those who opposed the policy were individuals with excessive wealth.
In chapter 12 of the book, the former President stated, "The shortage of money was not a deliberate effort to inflict hardship on Nigerians. In a democracy, people have the freedom to express their will, and we refrained from attempting to manipulate or control them. People were aware of the consequences of their choices, and we respected their autonomy."
"My home state, Katsina, demonstrated the essence of the entire system. In the Presidential election, the APC faced defeat, yet they later emerged victorious in the governorship race. Perhaps, there was complacency initially, assuming an easy win due to it being my state. People resent being taken for granted.
"I encountered Emefiele in office upon my arrival, and unless there was concrete evidence against him, it would be unjust and an act of injustice to dismiss him based on mere hearsay.
"Punishing a person unfairly could have enduring consequences in their life. Therefore, if you intend to impose a penalty, you must have substantiated evidence and acknowledge that your tenure is not eternal. You will depart one day.
"I am very mindful of the morale of those who serve alongside me. I also anticipate that whoever succeeds me will treat me fairly. I have family and friends who would be affected. Fairness is a principle I am deeply conscious of."
"When he was associated with the 2023 presidential campaign, I refrained from questioning him because he had not informed anyone of his involvement. Otherwise, I would have relieved him of his duties and publicly explained the reasons.
"There's no denying that the naira redesign initiative contributed to cleaner elections. Those who opposed it were individuals with excessive wealth."
The book disclosed that one bank chairman was found with over N260 million during the period when the new notes were scarce.
"Did I challenge the Supreme Court on the matter? No, it wasn't feasible," he remarked in the book.
Buhari, emphasizing his clear conscience, added that he does not evaluate people based on his own standards.
The former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has provided clarification on why he chose not to dismiss Godwin Emefiele from his position as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) upon assuming office in 2015.
Buhari addressed this matter amidst various revelations disclosed in a memoir titled "Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023)," authored by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina. The memoir was presented in Abuja on Tuesday.
The ex-President highlighted that the Naira redesign initiative led by Emefiele played a crucial role in ensuring a fair general election in 2023. He mentioned that those who opposed the policy were individuals with excessive wealth.
In chapter 12 of the book, the former President stated, "The shortage of money was not a deliberate effort to inflict hardship on Nigerians. In a democracy, people have the freedom to express their will, and we refrained from attempting to manipulate or control them. People were aware of the consequences of their choices, and we respected their autonomy."
"My home state, Katsina, demonstrated the essence of the entire system. In the Presidential election, the APC faced defeat, yet they later emerged victorious in the governorship race. Perhaps, there was complacency initially, assuming an easy win due to it being my state. People resent being taken for granted.
"I encountered Emefiele in office upon my arrival, and unless there was concrete evidence against him, it would be unjust and an act of injustice to dismiss him based on mere hearsay.
"Punishing a person unfairly could have enduring consequences in their life. Therefore, if you intend to impose a penalty, you must have substantiated evidence and acknowledge that your tenure is not eternal. You will depart one day.
"I am very mindful of the morale of those who serve alongside me. I also anticipate that whoever succeeds me will treat me fairly. I have family and friends who would be affected. Fairness is a principle I am deeply conscious of."
"When he was associated with the 2023 presidential campaign, I refrained from questioning him because he had not informed anyone of his involvement. Otherwise, I would have relieved him of his duties and publicly explained the reasons.
"There's no denying that the naira redesign initiative contributed to cleaner elections. Those who opposed it were individuals with excessive wealth."
The book disclosed that one bank chairman was found with over N260 million during the period when the new notes were scarce.
"Did I challenge the Supreme Court on the matter? No, it wasn't feasible," he remarked in the book.
Buhari, emphasizing his clear conscience, added that he does not evaluate people based on his own standards.
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