FG circular orders CBN’s Emefiele out of office over 2023 presidential ambition

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele has been ordered out of office in a circular dated 11th May, 2022 but which was released on Thursday by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The circular which was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss gave Monday, 16th May, 2022 to the CBN and other political appointees heading agencies and those holding positions to quit over their political ambitions. The development, the circular said would pave way for the smooth running of government administration.

The Central Bank governor had purchased a N100 million APC nomination form and he’s now considered a a serious aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress. By implication therefore, he has been caught up with the provision of the amended Electoral Act’s section 84(2) where it’s required for political aspirants who are political appointees to resign from office before contesting elections in the spirit equity and fairness.

Part of the circular read: “For avoidance of doubt, the directive affect all Minister’s, heads and members of extra-ministerial agencies, departments, Parastatals of government, Ambassadors, as well as other political appointees who desire to contest for elective offices.

“For smooth running of the machinery of government and our foreign missions affected ministers are to hand over to Ministers of State where they exist or to the Permanent Secretaries where there is no Minister of State.”

The recalcitrant Emefiele has filed a suit seeking suitability to contest presidency while still in office as the Central Bank governor.

The matter was adjourned on Tuesday till today (Thursday) which was expected to be delivered.