TheCable

A coalition of civil society groups has asked Godwin Emefiele to resign his position as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over his rumoured bid for presidency in 2023.

In a statement on Thursday, the coalition said the agitation for the CBN governor to contest for the 2023 presidency should not be on the front burner at a time the country is experiencing economic challenges.

The coalition group was led by Danesi Momoh Prince of Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative (CAACASVI); Solomon Adodo, coordinator, Empowerment For Unemployed Youth Initiative; Igwe Ude-Umanta, coordinator,
Guidance of Democracy and Development; and Jator Abido, coordinator, Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC).

“When some hired groups began the subtle campaign for the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to join the 2023 presidential race, many thought that it was the usual calls in the times of elections,” the coalition said.

“But gradually, it is becoming real that indeed, Mr. Emefiele is interested in the presidency come 2023. This is evident due to the momentum being gathered by the campaign and the commissioning of thousands of branded vehicles in his name and for the said campaign for 2023 presidency.

“Let us make it very clear that Mr. Emefiele is eminently qualified to run for the presidency of the country. He also has the right. Indeed, we wish him well as we wish other aspirants across political parties. However, it is unconscionable, unacceptable and shameful that at a time when we are facing an economic crisis of this disturbing magnitude, with the naira on a free fall, the CBN governor will be nursing a presidential aspiration and allow some of the political obscenities we have witnessed in the name of campaigns.

“For the records, under Mr. Emefiele’s watch, the dollar to naira exchange rate has moved from N195/199 in June 2016 to between N585/600 now. Inflation is on continued skyrocket that Nigerians believe that it no longer yields to statistics and specific calculations. Unemployment and under-employment has sadly become normal with Nigerians. Over 60% of the citizens are not just poor, but live in extreme poverty.

“The CBN has a central role to play in addressing these excruciating economic realities. Whatever be the case, we demand that Mr. Godwin Emefiele should immediately resign so as to have all the time to focus on his legitimate ambition. He should resign immediately to save the country in which he has benefitted so much from.”

In March, Emefiele had reacted to his rumoured presidential ambition in a Twitter post, saying he is focused on fighting inflation and designing a robust monetary policy for the country.