Former CBN Governor Emefiele Denies Allegations of Unauthorized Funds in UK Banks

In a recent development, the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has vehemently denied the claims made by the Central Bank’s private investigator, Jim Obazee. The report suggested that Emefiele had stashed a staggering £543,482,213 in fixed deposits within UK banks without proper authorization, among other serious allegations.

Emefiele Disputing Allegations and Presidential Approval:

Emefiele, countering the allegations, pointedly referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari’s statements affirming his authorization of the Naira redesign. Expressing perplexity at the investigator’s contradiction, Emefiele emphasized that Obazee’s assertions were misleading to the Nigerian populace, citing that the publications contained false information deliberately intended to tarnish his character. In a statement released on Sunday evening, Emefiele unequivocally denied the allegations, categorizing them as part of a malicious campaign against him.

Emefiele expressed his concern about the misrepresentation of facts in the report, insisting that his legal advisors had advised him to refrain from extensive comments due to the matter being sub judice. However, he felt compelled to address certain critical issues he deemed blatant lies propagated by the investigator, stating his perception that these falsehoods were orchestrated to fulfill a nefarious agenda.

Rebuttal and Defense:

Stressing the misleading nature of the publications, Emefiele deemed the contents of the report as false and misleading. He underscored the calculated attempt to disparage his character and accused the private investigator of pursuing self-serving interests. While adhering to legal counsel regarding the ongoing court proceedings, Emefiele chose to refute specific claims, describing them as baseless and designed to serve a malevolent agenda.

The former CBN Governor iterated that the allegations directly impugning his integrity were part of a larger ploy to damage his reputation. In his defense, Emefiele emphasized the need to rectify these egregious misrepresentations, painting them as part of a scheme orchestrated to fulfill a malicious intent.

Allegations of Unauthorized Naira Redesign

In a recent development, a contentious discrepancy has emerged concerning the redesign of the Naira, as stated in the CBN Act 2007. Contrary to claims of lacking presidential approval for this redesign, a rebuttal has been issued. The individual at the center of the controversy, Jim Obazee, faced claims from a concerned party, refuting the assertion of lacking presidential approval. The party in question insists that during the investigative proceedings led by Jim Obazee, a presidential approval was duly presented to him, alongside senior CBN officials and his investigative team. This rebuttal directly counters the initial assertion, highlighting the presence of documented approval.

Furthermore, former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has repeatedly affirmed his authorization and endorsement of the Naira redesign, adding weight to the counterclaim against Jim Obazee’s statements. This revelation raises doubts about the credibility of the initial report and the assertions made therein, calling for a thorough review of the facts presented by both sides.

Alleged Misuse of Funds and Foreign Accounts

The controversy doesn’t end with the Naira redesign. Claims were made regarding a withdrawal of 6.23 million dollars from the CBN vault based on a purported false presidential directive bearing the signatures of former President Buhari and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha. In response to this accusation, the individual implicated in the report clarified that during an inquiry conducted by Jim Obazee and a Deputy Commissioner of Police, they denied any knowledge or association with the alleged directive. They adamantly stated that this was their first encounter with the mentioned document, challenging Jim Obazee to publicly disclose the documents and the statements made during the investigation.

Additionally, there’s mention of 593 accounts supposedly opened across various locations worldwide. The individual vehemently denies any involvement or knowledge regarding the establishment of these accounts, emphasizing that these foreign accounts and their fixed deposits remain beyond their purview. However, the individual acknowledges the authority vested in relevant CBN departments to engage in such activities within the boundaries of their legal mandate.

Pursuit of Legal Action and Calls for Transparency

In response to these damaging allegations, the individual in question has taken a decisive stance. They have instructed their legal representatives to initiate legal proceedings to safeguard their reputation from the defamatory accusations present in the report. Furthermore, aligning themselves with the voices of concerned Nigerians, they have demanded a comprehensive and transparent investigation into all alleged fraudulent activities, expressing a commitment to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure the truth comes to light.

This brewing controversy demands a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the validity of the claims made by both sides, underscoring the significance of transparency and accountability within the financial sector.