Let my critics have heart attack, I’m having fun – Emefiele
Godwin Emefiele, the governor of Central Bank, said those criticising his presidential ambition can have “heart attack” for all he cares.
Emefiele said this to journalists at the state house after his meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. Many Nigerians have condemned Emefiele’s involvement in partisan politics while sitting as the governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank.
When asked what his discussion with President Buhari was about, Emefiele said: “There is no news now, but there will be news. You heard me, I said there is no news, but there will be news.”
When told of his ambition is creating anxiety among Nigerians and the international community, Emefiele said derisively: “Let them have a heart attack. It’s good to have a heart attack. I am having a lot of fun.”
The secretary to the government, Boss Mustapha, had issued a circular wherein he asked government appointees and head of parastatals gunning for elective positions to resign. The memo was copied to Emefiele, who presently has asked a court to determine whether he could hold on to his position while pursuing his presidential aspiration.
The Federal High Court refused Emefiele’s order to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation from stopping or interfering with his electoral pursuit. The court, instead, urged him to put the respondents on notice.
Posters and vehicles branded with his face are in town.
A group also purchased the APC nomination and expression of interest forms on his behalf.
Emefiele has, however, disowned the group, claiming it was done without his consent.
But, he went to court for constitutional interpretation of his continuous stay in office while bidding for the ticket.
Wednesday’s presidential directive has put paid to any doubt on whether appointees eyeing political offices should exit.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, clarified the resignation directive by the President in a circular dated May 11.
The circular explained that the Presidential order is not limited to the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) but all ministries, departments and agencies.
Foreign Services and Extra-ministerial offices are also affected.
The circular reads in part: “Mr. President has observed and noted the expression of interest and intention by some members of the Federal Executive Council, heads of extra-ministerial departments, agencies, parastatals of government, ambassadors and other political office holders to contest the upcoming presidential, gubernatorial, national and state assemblies elections.
