Concerned Northern Forum backs DSS over arrest of Emefiele

Concerned Northern Forum backs DSS  over arrest of Emefiele

By: Our Correspondent

Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), a coalition of over 73 Civil Society Organizations in Northern Nigeria, has urged the Department of State Security (DSS)  ignore or appealed the federal high court injunction to enable them go ahead with the planned arrest of  the  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele since it’s in the interest of National security.

Spokesperson of CNF, Comrade Abdulsalam Moh’d Kazeem asserted this during a press conference held in Kaduna on 30th of December, 2022.

According to him, CNF and patriots who wish to always stand on the path of righteousness, won’t takes sides with those calling for the sack of the DSS boss, but rather ask that he should be allowed to carry out his duties without interference by anybody especially when it comes to the issue of national security and the general well being of Nigerians.

He added that those asking the DG to give details of Emefiele’s underhand dealings should know that security is a tactical issue and evidence can’t be made public so that criminals won’t be alerted and made to destroy evidence.

Abdulsalam Moh’d Kazeem stressed  that Emefiele should as a matter of urgency be relieved of his duties as the Governor of the apex bank (CBN), as his character and integrity is already questioned.

“He should be investigated accordingly and with immediate effect. His involvement in partisan politics and the spurious investments he has made even in some Nigerian banks makes him unfit to continue as CBN Governor as this contravenes the CBN Act and other extant laws.

“He should be made to face the charges leveled against him in a competent court of law.

“The allegations by Hon. Mohammed Gudaji Kazaure concerning the misappropriation and diversion of stamp duty funds as well as other financial crimes require in depth  investigation.

“Financial crimes, including diversion of public funds as allegedly run afoul of President Buhari’s anti-corruption posture and must not be tolerated by his appointee no matter how highly placed. Emefiele can’t be sitting as a CBN Governor while these investigations continue.

“He needs to step aside to prevent any form of interference and undue influence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is our position that the CBN Governor should turn himself in to the DSS for questioning, possible arrest and detention.

“Failure to do so should be met by a forceful arrest and detention in one of Nigeria’s maximum security prison facility. He should forthwith, stop sponsoring faceless goons against the person of the DG of DSS and the Service in general.

“The endless media wars and attacks can only elongate his doomsday but will definitely not save from standing trial and answering to the weighty allegations against him.

“We called on the DG to ignore the enemies of Nigeria and focus on the duties given to him by the constitution and President Mohammadu Buhari. National security is a serious issue, we can’t afford a relapse of insecurity in this country because of mindless distractions. Unraveling the role the CBN under Emefiele is playing in sponsoring terrorism will put paid to the endless and mindless killings and attacks all over the country. ” He said