The internal rumbling among President Muhammadu Buhari Administration members raises serious concern. The recent in-fighting between the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and the Department of State Services (DSS), is a typical example.
Outside Nigeria’s frail economy decorated with heightened inflation, energy crisis, unemployment, poverty and insecurity, Nigerians still have to contend power tussle among Buhari’s team.
On Monday, Nigerians woke up to hear a Coalition of National Interest Defenders, in the full glare of the media, claim that the DSS is orchestrating plans to arrest and remove the CBN Governor.
The coalition made the allegation during a press conference in Abuja by its Coordinator, Tochukwu Ohazurike.
The group alleged that the DSS filed a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja accusing Emefiele of terrorism financing.
Also, a crowd of protesters with placards stormed the streets of Abuja demanding the sack of the DSS Director General, Mr Yusuf Bichi. Another set of protesters did the same on Wednesday.
In reaction to the allegations in the media, the country’s secret service said it remained focused on its mandate.
This is coming as a Federal High Court in Abuja reportedly stopped the Department of State Services from arresting the Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations bothering on “acts of financing terrorism, fraudulent activities and economic crimes of national security dimension.”
The CBN and DSS saga generated mixed reactions from stakeholders; while some supported Emefiele ,others pitched a tent with the DSS.
Reacting to the development, the Centre for Financial Surveillance and Illicit Transaction Tracking Group (CFSITT), on Tuesday, raised the alarm of looming consequences over the Department of State Service terrorism allegations against the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The group, in a statement by its Director, John Dimu, said that “The allegation that the DSS embarked on this plot to remove the CBN Governor for political and pecuniary reasons is not only a huge shame but against the ethics of the Egmont group which Nigeria is a member.”
Also, an Accounting and Financial Development don at Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof Godwin Oyedokun, said the disagreement between the CBN and DSS over the Naira redesign policy would have a colossal impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Oyedokun lamented that Nigerians are no longer concerned about the daily flaws of Buhari’s Government in the last seven years.
He feared that what happened to the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, and others might be the case for Emefiele if President Muhammadu Buhari remains lukewarm on the matter.
“Nigerians are no longer concerned about the government’s daily flaws; their actions would reflect in the forthcoming election,” he stated.
It is pertinent to state that inter-agencies squabble would only exacerbate the country’s sorry situation.
Economic experts warned that the discord between CBN and the DSS is dangerous to Nigeria’s economy.
Nigerian NewsDirect writes that the CBN and DSS need collaboration for the nation’s progress. Nigeria is drifting on a downward slope, and she needs concerted efforts from all and sundry to resuscitate her.
Public institutions should put the National interest above all other interests. It is in this that such institutions could adequately serve the interest of the generality of Nigerians.