Newsonspot blog reports that Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reacted to the controversies surrounding his reported purchase of the N100 million All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination and expression of interest forms.
Emefiele was said to have picked up the form on Thursday in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
The development has however triggered a wave of fury among Nigerians who have continued to express disbelief and disgust over the move. The move suggests that he is now a card-carrying member of a political party, which has now raised both constitutional and ethical questions, and many have demanded his immediate resignation.
The Delta State-born banker’s power bid became public knowledge, months after he had maintained, amid speculations, that he was focused on his job.
Oby Ezekwesili, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ebun Oluwa Adegboruwa, a senior advocate of Nigeria, are amongst those who have lambasted the CBN governor and asked him to resign from his position immediately following his intent to engage in partisan politics and contest the 2023 presidential election.
Akeredolu, in a statement he personally signed on Friday, described the CBN governor’s move as “a joke taken too far”, and asked the President to fire Emefiele if he refused to voluntarily resign.
But in his reaction on Saturday on his verified twitter handle, Emefiele said a ‘group of farmers and patriots’ bought his nomination forms, stressing that he will make his position known in the next few days.
According to him: “I am humbled by the growing interest of those asking that I run for the Office of President in the 2023 general elections: I have not come to that decision. I note and salute the sacrifices of those farmers and patriots going as far as raising personal funds and offering me Presidential Nomination Forms: I thank them most profusely.“However, Should I answer their calls and decide to seek presidential nomination, I will use my own hard-earned savings from over 35 years of banking leadership to buy my own Nomination Forms, without proxies in an open and transparent manner in full compliance with the laws and Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“And should I not run for elected office, I will continue to serve and sacrifice for the good people of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This is a serious decision that requires God’s Divine intervention: in the next few days, The Almighty will so direct,” he said.
I am humbled by the growing interest of those asking that I run for the Office of President in the 2023 general elections: I have not come to that decision. I note and salute the sacrifices of those farmers and patriots going as far as raising personal funds 1/4
— Godwin I. Emefiele (@GodwinIEmefiele) May 7, 2022
Emefiele’s reaction however sparked fresh outrage from Nigerians who accused him of deceit.
See some of the fury reactions below:
Ochikolota Umunwanyi 1 of Biafra @Ambrosia_Ijebu – Nna, amma keep it real with you. There is no growing interest, you feel me? If you want to run come outside, stop wasting time.
Signor Alessandro @_thecapitaine – The man dey disguise. Talmabout my saving of 35yrs.
Ejiofor Onyishi @EjioforOnyishi – You’re still in public office picking up 100m form to contest 4 president is that not corruption in highest order, no wonder our economy keep on collapsing on daily basis & your cashing out on exchange rate, impunity in this Buhari gov is getting out of hands
FO @femiwole – Sir, Are you a registered member of the APC? The answer to this is crucial. Mother of lies. You’re deceiful
@CareEpik – Wait o,is it unregistered members that will pick form? 😂
𝓢𝓲𝓻 𝓞𝓵𝓾𝔀𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓰𝓾𝓷 – @baltimoreGE – So with all that’s going on in the country, hunger, starvation insecurity and general high cost of living, people just decide to dash you a form of 100m free without asking or seeking your consent? Wow 👌 👏 what level of generosity
CyberZeus 🇺🇸 🇳🇬 @Cyberhalogen – Oga no deceive yourself. No carry ABP money go buy form oo. We farmers and processors need all the funds we can get to reduce our dependence on importation. Do your job!!
Oke Umurhohwo @OkeStalyf – This is even more embarrassing. You have not only confirmed that you are partisan for someone holding such a sensitive role but you are here playing on our intelligence. Such a shame
Adebayo @birchuff – Very shameful of him. Spoke very low. Sometimes, I feel very disappointed at the level people attain and spew low-quality statements that shouldn’t even emanate from SSCE holders. It is a divine bla bla…pityful!
Chigozie Obioha @slimnsleeky – Farmers and Patriots indeed. Oga Goddy idi egwu.
Qayyum Oluwadamilola🇳🇬💎
@Dharmmie001 – Baba,you still never come out plain o
IamEmpero – @IamEmpero_ -Everest @novieverest – Godwin Emefiele trying to disguise by claiming he knows nothing about the form and that Nigerians that can’t afford bread under his leadership of CBN are truly urging him to contest and fail more. This world and lies.
Senapon @Omodada10 – Still wondering the farmers and patriots that can afford #100m Nomination form🤔..
@asemota – You Dey disguise Abeg … Come direct jare, you are still going through the corners. Talkin about in a few days the Almighty will direct 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂. You Dey whyne us abi?
@Drmuzoic – He said “growing interest” – Baba no dey disguise. We haven’t forgotten the accounts of #EndSARS protesters you were quick to place a ban on, but have turned blind eyes to all the people that have been named as sponsors of bokoharam and terrorism. We are watching
Engr Umar Jacob @enevene2003 – My mother said ” a fool is speaking and thinking that people listening to him are foolish”.
Wondy Archibong @Archiewonda- Farmers that do not have enough money to spend to feed themselves or their family, are the same farmers that contributed #100 million naira to buy APC form for you? I fear for how much of Nigeria’s money has been stolen under your leadership as CBN Gov. Abacha’s loot is a joke.
@Davido01 – This one don dey lie before e even start campaign.
