THERE IS NO POLITICAL VENDETTA AGAINST EMEFIELE. – PRESIDENCY

Babatunji Wusu –

The Presidency has refuted charges of a political vengeance against Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, revealed as much in a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo.

Ngelale dismissed the concept that Emefiele is being targeted politically as a result of his federal government prosecution for alleged wrongdoing.

Ngelale’s comments came after the Federal Government filed 14 new charges against the former apex bank governor based on the contents of a detailed report provided by the special investigator.

Emefiele is facing a slew of serious allegations, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud, and conspiracy to commit a felony, indicating a substantial escalation in the legal struggle surrounding his tenure.

The allegations originate from a larger probe into financial irregularities and mismanagement during his tenure as CBN Governor, which resulted in his dismissal from office by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

Adding to the gravity of the problem, the Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into the management and expenditure of the N30 trillion Ways and Means loans facilitated by the CBN under Emefiele’s governorship.
The Senate’s investigation aims to delve into the specifics of how these funds were obtained and used during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, with preliminary findings indicating that the loan’s “reckless spending” has significantly contributed to the country’s current food and security crisis.