…Pressure mounts on Tinubu to sack Obazee
A recent investigation has implicated high-ranking officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), and the Presidency, including former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet members, in the alleged distribution of a $6.2 million windfall by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The funds were reportedly withdrawn from the CBN vault under the guise of mobilising international observers for the 2023 general elections, with beneficiaries allegedly extending to the State House and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to sources, most recipients have reportedly returned their shares following scrutiny by the current administration. One of the sources said that the clampdown on the series of corrupt practices allegedly perpetrated by some officials of the immediate past administration is mind-boggling. She added that some earth-shaking revelations, including footage, will come up soon.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Committee, which probed the CBN and recommended Emefiele for prosecution, has been criticised and recommended for disbandment by some powerful forces in the corridors of power.
Another credible source familiar with the developments disclosed that the Chairman of the Committee, Jim Obazee, has stepped on powerful toes, and his uncompromising nature may result in his firing. The source alleged that some influential people have urged the President to sack Obazee and dissolve the committee after his investigations and recommendations affected their interests. The Committee was put together by President Tinubu, who appointed Obazee as the Chairman as part of measures to fortify Government Business Entities.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended him last year, Emefiele has been facing a series of litigations in different courts bordering on abuse of office, misappropriation, round tripping, etc.
Recall that a Deputy Director of branch operations at the Bank, Onyeka Ogbu, who testified against Emefiele at the FCT High Court recently, alleged that the accused got the approval of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-SGF Boss Mustapha for the disbursement of $6,230,000 “to international election observers”.
The witness said whether the money was released: “Payment was eventually made. The $6,230,000 was paid on the 8th of February, 2023. The payment was in cash”. The EFCC is, however, alleging that Emefiele forged Buhari’s signature and never got the former President’s approval for the transaction.
Emefiele was suspended on June 9, 2023, by President Tinubu, who also ordered a probe into his tenure as CBN governor.
On January 18, the federal government amended the criminal charges filed against him, formerly six counts, were increased to 20 counts.
The amended charges include alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
