In the midst of controversy over the ongoing trial of suspended governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Presidency has appointed a Special Investigator to probe the apex bank and related entities.
In a letter dated July 28, 2023 and addressed to Jim Osayande Obazee, the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the decision was in line with his administration’s fight against corruption.
According to the letter, the full terms of Obazee’s engagement would be provided later and that he would be required to take immediate steps to block further leakages from the CBN, ensure probity and strengthen key government business entities.
It further said the special investigator is to report directly to the president while he is required to provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of “corrupt individuals and establishments.”
“In accordance with the fundamental objective set forth in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), this administration is, today, continuing the fight against corruption by appointing you as a Special Investigator, to investigate the CBN and Related Entities.
“This appointment shall be with immediate effect and you are to report directly to my office.
“The full terms of your engagement as Special Investigator shall be communicated to you in due course but, require that you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).
“You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment.
“I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made.
“Find attached, herewith, my directive suspending the Governor of the CBN from office with effect from June 2023,” the letter reads.
The suspended CBN boss was arrested in his Lagos home by operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) a day after his suspension from office by President Tinubu, and flown to Abuja.
Emefiele, who had been in the DSS custody, was arraigned in court over alleged illegal possession of guns and ammunition, and granted bail last week by a Federal High Court Abuja.
He was, however, re-arrested by the secret police after a clash between the agency and the Nigeria Correctional Service(NCoS) over who should take possession of the his custody.
