After being released on bail from Kuje Correctional Centre,the embattled suspended Central Bank if Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, has vehemently refuted accusations of embezzling billions and stashing Nigeria’s funds in foreign banks, as reported in social media.
Emefiele disputed the credibility of the sources, citing a report by private investigator, Jim Obazee appointed by the President. He asserted that the publications are false, misleading, and designed to tarnish his reputation for Obazee’s personal gain.
In the statement, Emefiele said, “After my release on bail from the Kuje Correctional Centre, my attention was drawn to publications by the Punch newspaper and Premium Times online news platforms.
“The sources of the information published by both media houses were credited to a certain report prepared by Jim Obazee, who was appointed by the President as a private investigator. I have gone through the publications, and I say boldly that the contents of the said publications are false, misleading and calculated to disparage my person, injure my character and to serve the selfish interest of the private investigator.
According to him, despite legal advice to remain silent, he has addressed some issues raised in the publications, branding them as “barefaced lies” with a satanic agenda.
The former apex bank governor refuted claims that there was no presidential approval for the controversial Naira redesign, stating that former President Muhammadu Buhari authorised it, and the approval was presented to Obazee during his investigation.
He said, “First, it was reported that, contrary to the provisions of the CBN Act 2007, there was no presidential approval for the Naira redesign. I wish to state unequivocally that there was indeed a presidential approval, and the said approval was handed over to the same Jim Obazee during the process of his investigation in the presence of senior CBN officials and his own investigative team.
Moreover, the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has stated on a number of occasions that he authorised and approved the Naira redesign. I am therefore at a loss as to why Jim Obazee will mislead Nigerians that there was no presidential approval.
Regarding the alleged withdrawal of $6.23 million from the CBN vault based on a false presidential directive, Emefiele challenged Obazee to publish the documents and statements made during questioning. He maintained no knowledge of such a directive, and asserted that he saw the documents for the first time during the investigation.
Emefiele further denied involvement in the opening of 593 accounts worldwide and disclaimed knowledge of the fixed deposits in those accounts. He emphasised that the CBN has the authority to carry out such activities within its lawful mandate.
Despite the legal challenges ahead, Emefiele expressed his commitment to clearing his name from the defamatory statements contained in the report and subsequent publications.
