After months of speculation, Governor Godwin Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) joined the 2023 Presidential race, obtaining the forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prior to Friday, the CBN governor neither confirmed nor denied his interest in succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, there have been calls on him to step down because of the position that he holds.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has reacted as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele picks the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential forms.
SERAP urged Emefiele to immediately resign his position as CBN governor.
The body said Emefiele should resign in line section nine of the CBN Act.
According to SERAP, Emefiele’s involvement in politics would distract him from carrying out his duties.
SERAP tweeted: “BREAKING: Following reports that the CBN governor Mr Godwin Emefiele has picked the APC N100m presidential nomination form, we urge him to immediately resign his position in line with S. 9 of the CBN Act.
“Engaging in politics will conflict with/detract from his full-time duties.”
It was gathered that Emefiele’s associates paid N100million for the nomination and expression of interest forms on Friday, at the International Conference Center, Abuja venue of the sale of forms
The discussion has generated mixed reactions. To take the conversation further, Daily Trust checked the CBN Act.
According to the Act,
– (1) A person shall not remain a Governor, Deputy Governor if he is –
(a) A member of any Federal or State legislative house; or
(b) A Director, officer or employee of any bank licensed under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act.
(2) The Governor, Deputy Governor or Director shall cease to hold office in the Bank if he –
(a) becomes of unsound mind or, owing to ill health, is incapable of carrying out his duties;
(b) is convicted…
(d) is disqualified or suspended from practicing his profession in Nigeria by order of a competent authority made in respect of him personally: (e) becomes
(0)
Bankrupt;
Removed by the President: Provided that the removal of the Governor shall be supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed.
RESIGNATION
The acts states that the Governor or any Deputy Governor may resign his office by giving at least three months’ notice in writing to the President of his intention to do so and any Director may similarly resign by giving at least one month’s notice in writing to the President of his intention to do so.
It adds that if the Governor, any Deputy Governor of Director of the Bank dies, resigns or otherwise vacates his office before the expiry of the term for which he has been appointed, there shall be appointed a fit and proper person to take his place on the Board for the unexpired period of the term of appointment in the first instance.
(Daily Trust)