Why I did not fire former CBN governor Emefiele — Buhari , President Buhari has offered an explanation for not removing the former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, from his position. The President cited Emefiele’s excellent performance, commitment, and consistency in implementing policies that have contributed to economic stability as reasons for retaining him. Buhari’s decision reflects his confidence in Emefiele’s leadership and the positive impact of his policies on the nation’s economic landscape.

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has clarified why he chose not to dismiss the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, amid speculations about Emefiele’s presidential ambitions during the 2023 elections.

    former CBN governor

    Buhari stated that he refrained from removing Emefiele due to the lack of concrete evidence indicating his pursuit of a presidential ambition. The former president disclosed this in a memoir titled ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023),’ authored by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina. The memoir was presented in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Buhari emphasized that, had there been confirmation of Emefiele’s involvement in the 2023 presidential campaign, he would have taken appropriate action and publicly explained the decision.

    Buhari emphasized that he deemed it “unfair” and “an act of injustice” to remove Emefiele based on hearsay and without concrete evidence against him. The former president insisted that punishing someone unjustly could have long-lasting consequences and that he was conscious of maintaining the morale of those who served with him. Buhari highlighted the importance of fairness and expressed his expectation that whoever succeeded him would also be fair in their judgments.

    During the book unveiling event on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu revealed that his predecessor, Buhari, has refrained from interfering in his administration since leaving office in 2023. Tinubu shared that after the handover, Buhari assured him of staying away in Daura but remained available if needed, emphasizing a commitment not to intrude or interfere with the ongoing activities.

    Buhari

    On May 7, 2022, Emefiele expressed uncertainty about contesting for the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket in the upcoming primary at the end of the month. He indicated that the decision would be guided by divine direction, recognizing that participating in the contest would entail utilizing his “hard-earned savings” accumulated over 35 years of service.

    Emefiele responded swiftly, less than 24 hours after a coalition of farmers and business individuals procured the N100 million nomination and expression of interest forms on his behalf at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, where the forms were being sold. The group fervently encouraged the CBN governor to consider running for the position of President.

    Buhari shared these insights in a seven-page contribution to the book titled ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023),’ authored by his former top aide, Mr. Femi Adesina. The occasion, graced by Buhari, his wife Hajia Aisha, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and other dignitaries, featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the special guest of honor.

    This marked Buhari’s first public appearance since leaving office on May 29 the previous year. In the book, Buhari addressed various topics, including the Naira redesign policy, emphasizing that it aimed to ensure cleaner elections rather than punish Nigerians. He defended the transparency of the 2023 elections, refuting criticisms.

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    Regarding the imposition of President Tinubu, Buhari asserted that Tinubu was not forced on anybody. He highlighted the importance of neutrality during party primaries and general elections to ensure a transparent process. Buhari claimed that his administration conducted an acceptable and legally defensible poll.

    On the allegation of a Cabal in his government, Buhari challenged figures like ex-Governor Nasir el-Rufai and Abdullahi Ganduje to substantiate their claims. He maintained his incorruptibility by citing his lack of new property acquisitions and consistent declaration of assets.

    Delving into the subject of the former CBN governor, Buhari explained, “I met Emefiele in office when I came, and unless there was firm evidence against him, it would be unfair, and an act of injustice to remove him, acting on hearsay. If you punish a man unjustly, it could dog his footsteps throughout life, so if you would punish, you must have evidence. And you should know that yourself wouldn’t be there forever. You would leave one day. I’m very conscious about the morale of people who serve with me. I also expect whoever succeeds me to be fair to me. I have family, friends, who will feel it. I’m very conscious of fairness.”

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