Alleged Corruption: Tinubu names Special Investigator, directs probe of CBN, related entities

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, appoints Jim Osayande Obazee as Special Investigator to probe the Central Bank of Nigeria and related entities to ensure ‘strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities, further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs, and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In a move to ensure probity, strengthen key Government Business Entities (GBEs), and block leakages in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has appointed Jim Osayande Obazee, as Special Investigator to probe the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and related government entities.

President Tinubu’s appointment of the Special Investigator was contained in a letter the former signed and addressed to Obazee, ex-Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).

ConsumerConnect reports the Presidency noted the decision is to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs, and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).

The President’s letter stated: “In accordance with the fundamental objective set forth in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), this administration is today, continuing the fight against corruption by appointing you as a Special Investigator, to investigate the CBN and Related Entities.

“This appointment shall be with immediate effect and you are to report directly to my office.”

Tinubu further wrote:

“The full terms of your engagement as Special Investigator shall be communicated to you in due course but, require that you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).

“You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent, and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment. I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made.”

The Nigerian President also sent Obazee a copy of his earlier order suspending Mr. Godwin Emefiele as Governor of CBN, report said.

On Emefiele’s travails

The latest development is coming just as Emefiele is undergoing trial over alleged possession of firearm and ammunition, among other suspected official infractions in office.

It is recalled suspended CBN Governor Emefiele has been in the custody of the country’s Department of State Services (DSS).

Emefiele is facing charges bordering on illegal possession of firearm and ammunition filed against him by the Federal Government.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, later granted him bail in sum of N50 million.

Following a disagreement between the Federal Government’s prosecution team and Emefiele’s legal counsel over his custody after the court had granted him bail last week, the Secret Police yet rearrested him after some scuffle with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) personnel on the court promises in Lagos.

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