Emefiele quits presidential race – report
A report has claimed that the governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele has dumped his presidential ambition.
THE WILL claimed that close sources to Emefiele informed it of his withdrawal. We This claim however remains unverified as at press time.
But, the report states that Emefiele would rather complete his tenure, which ends in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Emefiele, despite denying he nurses a presidential ambition, approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to declare him eligible for the race. His counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argued that Emefiele could not be barred from taking part in the presidential race, based on the provision of Section 84 (12).
The provision of the electoral law stipulates that political appointees resign their position if they so wish to participate in party primaries, with the intent of seeking nomination for political offices.
But, Ozekhome contended that the Constitution designates Emefiele as a public servant and not a political appointee, by virtue of the position he holds.
On Thursday, Emefiele met with President Muhammadu Buhari to clarify the demand on political appointees seeking elective offices to quit their positions.
After his meeting with the President, Emefiele derided mounting pressure on him to resign his position. “Let them have heart attack, I am having fun,” he said mockingly.
On Friday, a Delta state high court, sitting in Kwale, granted an order restraining the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from stopping Godwin Emiefele, the CBN governor, from seeking an elective position.
