Emefiele returns to Nigeria, resumes work at CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria has revealed that the embattled CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has resumed duty after his annual leave abroad.

Disclosing this in a press statement by the Director, Public Relations, Osita Nwanisobi, the CBN said Emefiele resumed duty on Monday (today).

The statement read, “The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has resumed duty after his annual vacation abroad. Mr. Emefiele, who proceeded on leave in December 2022, resumed today, Monday, January 16, 2023.

“The Governor resumed with renewed vigour to perform his duty ahead of the first Monetary Policy Committee meeting of the year scheduled for January 23 to 24, 2023.

“Mr. Emefiele remains committed to performing the task before him in line with his oath of office and the policy direction of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“While thanking the public for keeping faith with the Bank, we urge Nigerians to continue to support the policies of the Bank aimed at ensuring a stable financial system and the Nigerian economy in general.”

WITHIN NIGERIA had earlier reported last week that the embattled CBN governor returned to the country on Wednesday, amidst growing rumour that he would be arrested by the Department of State Service.

Emefiele had left the country for weeks and recall that the DSS had quietly sought a court order to arrest Emefiele, but the Federal High Court, Abuja rejected the request.

In the application, the DSS wanted the court to order the arrest of the CBN governor over alleged “acts of financing terrorism, fraudulent activities and economic crimes of national security dimension.”

Also restrained by the court order are; the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Meanwhile, also in December, Emefiele failed twice to appear before the House of Representatives when summoned to explain the policy by the apex bank which, among others, sets limits to cash withdrawals at the Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions.