Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to appeal the High Court judgement restraining it from arresting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The Spokesperson of CNF, Comrade Mohammed Abdulsalam, who made the call during a press conference held in Kaduna on Friday, said the CBN Governor is not above the law of Nigeria and as such the state security should be allowed to do its job without external interference.

It would be recalled that a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Garki on Thursday, issued an order restraining the DSS and its agents from arresting, detaining or restricting the movement of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations linking him with terrorism.

Justice M. A. Hassan, who issued the order while ruling on a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership (ITFAGL), said the SSS “acted wrongfully and illegally in instigating the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against Mr. Godwin Emefiele in respect of the exercise of his statutory duty relating to the issuance of monetary policies and directives in the interest of the National Security and economy”.

Abdulsalam while calling on the CBN boss to step aside on the ground that his character is already in question, said the DSS overtime has done a very good job, especially in the area of intelligence gathering and that of the apex bank should not be exceptional.

He added that accusing Emefiele of spending N58.6 billion to print N2.5 billion naira notes at a time when Nigeria is having financial crisis, including spiralling inflation and unemployment alone is ridiculous, adding that the earlier the CBN boss is made to face the law and answer to the allegations, the better.

He said, “Sequel to the above, we therefore resolved that the DSS should ignore and immediately appeal the Federal High Court injunction and go ahead with their planned arrest of Mr Emefele, since it’s in the interest of national security.

“As patriots who wish to always stand on the path of righteousness, we won’t take sides with those calling for the sack of the DSS boss but rather ask that he should be allowed to carry out his duties without interference by anybody, especially when it comes to the issue of national security and the general wellbeing of Nigerians. Those asking the DG to give details of Emefiele’s underhand dealings should know that security is a tactical issue and evidence can’t be made public so that criminals won’t be alerted and made to destroy evidence.

“Mr Godwin Emefiele, should as a matter of urgency, be relieved of his duties as the Governor of the apex bank (CBN), as his character and integrity is already questioned. He should be investigated accordingly and with immediate effect. His involvement into partisan politics and the spurious investments he has made even in some Nigerian banks, makes him unfit to continue as CBN Governor, as this contravenes the CBN Act and other extant laws. He should be made to face the charges levelled against him in a competent court of law. (The Nation)

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