* Appoints El-Rufai’s Commissioner, Three Others As CBN Deputy Governors
More revelations are expected from the embattled banking sector following the final disengagement of Godwin Emefiele former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all his deputies.
Analysts said last night that the ground may have finally been prepared for the unraveling of what they regard as ‘unwholesome’ activities at the apex bank, particularly in the past nine years that have crippled the sector and the economy as a whole.
From the ‘controversial’ Mergers and Acquisitions, foreign exchange allocation and management, accounts and financial statements of CBN, particularly in the last seven years, as well as some deposit money banks will now be subjected to proper scrutiny.
This is what the federal government appointed investigator, Sam Obazee and his team are currently doing in a sector described by President Tinubu as ‘rotten.’
Besides, metrobusinessnews.com (MBN) gathered last night that although the former CBN governor had been cooperating with security agencies, more are expected from him as well as some directors in some strategic departments like finance, foreign operations, banking supervision, operations, among others.
MBN further learnt that more chief executives of banks will be invited by the Department of State Services, (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), while those invited earlier may also be told to reappear.
“One thing that is sure is that the banking sector and even financial services industry will not remain the same after the current surgery operations.
“A lot needs to be done and many operators I’ll have to go, including the self appointed ‘God father’s and founders’ in the industry,” says an analyst, who pleaded anonymity.
To give impetus to the gradual cleansing at the regulatory bank, Tinubu has nominated Yemi Cardoso as the new governor of CBN.
Upon confirmation by the senate, Cardoso is expected to serve for a term of five years.
“This directive is in conformity with Section 8 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which vests in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the authority to appoint the Governor and Four (4) Deputy Governors for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ajuri said the statement which confirmed the nomination.
Cardoso, a banker, chartered stockbroker and public policy expert, has worked in the public, private and development sectors.
He was a former commissioner of economic planning and budget in Lagos state; an erstwhile chairman of the board of the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance; and most recently, chairman of Citibank Nigeria Ltd.
Cardoso is the founding chairman and co-chair of the Ehingbeti Summit, the Lagos state economic summit. He is also a member of the advisory board of Lagos Business School (LBS).
Similarly, president Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo and three others as Deputy Governor of the bank.
This followed the sacking of all the deputies who served under Godwin Emefiele, former governor of CBN, who is in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
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This was announced in a statement issued by the president’s spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday.
Ngelale said President Tinubu had approved the nomination of four new Deputy Governors of the CBN, for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
Aside from Dattijo, other nominees are: Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, and Dr. Bala M. Bello.
“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the President expects the above-listed nominees to successfully implement critical reforms at the Central Bank of Nigeria, which will enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all,” part of the statement said.
Emefiele, who is in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), was suspended by the president in June.
He was directed to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, the deputy governor, operations directorate.