President Goodluck Jonathan has nominated the Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Godwin Emefiele, as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Consequently, he has forwarded the name to the Senate for confirmation. If so confirmed, he will replace the erstwhile Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was placed on suspension earlier on Thursday.
In a letter to Senate President David Mark and read at plenary, President Jonathan requested the Upper Chamber’s confirmation.
The letter reads, “In view of the fact that the tenure of the current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) will end in June 1, 2014 and pursuant to the provision of section8(1) and (2) of the CBN Act, 2007.
“I hereby forward the name of Mr. Godwin Emefiele for kind consideration and confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for appointment as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.”
In the same vein, the president requested the Senate to confirm Adelabu Adebayo Adekola, as Deputy Governor of the Apex Bank. If confirmed, he will replace Tunde Lemo, who retired from the bank late 2013.
Presidential Media Adviser, Reuben Abati, in a statement announcing Sanusi’s suspension anchored it on allegation of financial recklessness on the part of the erstwhile governor.
“Having taken special notice of reports of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and other investigating bodies, which indicate clearly that Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s tenure has been characterized by various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct which are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a Central Bank propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline;
“Being also deeply concerned about far-reaching irregularities under Mallam Sanusi’s watch which have distracted the Central Bank away from the pursuit and achievement of its statutory mandate; and
“Being determined to urgently re-position the Central Bank of Nigeria for greater efficiency, respect for due process and accountability, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has ordered the immediate suspension of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from the Office of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Abati’s statement reads in part.
