The Congress of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (CCSON) The umbrella body of all the registered civil society organizations in Nigeria
has vowed to resist any attempt by any group or individuals to remove Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The CSOs in press statement signed by the National Chairman, Comr. Festus Okoineme Ebhohimhen and the Secretary, Shehu Ibrahim on 3rd January, 2023. Stated that those masterminding his removal were enemies of Nigeria’s socio-economic upliftment.
The Congress of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria observed that the resistance being met on account of the current monetary policy of the Emefiele led-CBN is a premeditated move to fight against corruption.
“The current resistance is a fight back by corrupt politicians to derail Buhari’s fight against corruption. Frankly speaking, resistance is expected because corruption will always attempt to fight back any time it is under threat.
“So, what we are experiencing now with regards to the monetary policy by the CBN is corruption fighting back with corrupt politicians pulling the strings from behind the curtain.
“Apparently, the new monetary policy will not allow corrupt practices such as vote buying, money laundering and the like to thrive, which is the reason behind the sinister move to remove Emefiele.
“Emefiele is promoting the policy of the Buhari led-administration, whose cardinal point is to fight corruption and we are solidly behind him,” the statement read.
The CSOs urged the CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele to carry on with his good works, warning that the civil society organizations (CSOs) will vehemently resist every move by mischief-makers to remove Emefiele.
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Based on judgement by FCT High Court, barring the Department of State Service, SSS from arresting, detaining or inviting the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele over charges of alleged terrorism financing and economic crimes.
The Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, CCSON has call on Department of State Services, Nigerian Police, Immigration and Others to obey court order on Emefiele
CSOs described the judgment as another triumph of rule of law, even as they asked the DSS and other security agencies to obey and respect the decision of the court. Dealing timeously with applications for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of Emefiele was a victory for the rule of law.
They specifically asked the DSS to obey and respect the recent decision of the FCT High Court which barred the agency and other security agencies from arresting, detaining or inviting Emefiele for questioning over alleged terrorism and other crimes.
Recall that Justice M. A. Hassan of the FCT High Court had in a judgement on the Originating Motion filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership to enforce the Fundamental rights of Mr Emefiele against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Inspector General of Police, State Security Service and the Central Bank of Nigeria, restrained the SSS from arresting the CBN Governor.
“The Court Justice John Tsoho the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, declined the application ruling that the SSS did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims that Emefiele was involved in terrorism financing and economic crimes. This was concluded by the 9’» of December 2022.
“Chief Justice John Tosho of the Federal High Court and Honourable Justice M.A. Hassan of the High court of the FCT, deserve commendation for the expeditious manner in the handling of this application. This is what Human Rights Activists and indeed the NBA has been clamouring for.
“Godwin Emefiele is not above the law, but he should not be placed below the law either, His fundamental rights have been protected by the Courts and the DSS should obey and respect the decisions of the court .” the congress mainted.
We know that it is the CBN’s responsibility to do such policy for the nation so as to advance the socio-economic growth of the populace.”
