The Agbor Stakeholders Forum (ASF) has once again sounded the alarm, decrying what they deem as the unrelenting persecution and witch-hunt of the detained former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele. In a statement attributed to Kanene Kachikwu on behalf of the group, published by Punch, ASF asserts that the current situation constitutes "the greatest political witch-hunt in Nigeria’s history," highlighting that no other CBN governor has faced such intense scrutiny.
The latest development, according to ASF, involves the covert engagement of Deloitte Consulting, the world's leading accounting firm, to audit the forex transactions during Emefiele's tenure at the CBN. The group claims that this move, instigated by the government, aims to further incriminate Emefiele, following previous unsuccessful investigations. ASF implores President Bola Tinubu to reconsider, urging him to intervene and release Emefiele, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and national healing.
Since June 2023, immediately after President Tinubu's inauguration, Emefiele has been subjected to continuous probes and scrutiny, ASF states. The Department of State Services (DSS) initiated the investigation, detaining Emefiele for approximately four months and accusing him of financing terrorism. Despite exhaustive searches and legal proceedings, no substantial evidence was found to support these allegations. Subsequently, Emefiele faced similar unfounded charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), all of which failed to withstand legal scrutiny.
ASF emphasizes Emefiele's credentials, noting his prestigious background as the former MD/CEO of one of Africa's largest banks. They assert that his wealth precludes any ulterior financial motives during his tenure at the CBN, emphasizing his commitment to mobilizing resources for Nigeria's development.
In summary, ASF condemns what they perceive as a politically motivated campaign against Emefiele and calls for his release, appealing to President Tinubu to consider the broader implications of this persecution on national unity and progress.