By Daniel Tyokua
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have endorsed the cashless policy initiated by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiel against the the Department of State Service accusing the Governor of terrorism financing.
Briefing Journalists in Abuja, Wednesday, leader of the CSOs, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said the State Security Service was derailing from its statutory role to become a tool in the hands of desperate politicians.
He said those who want to receive and spend money without any traces are those who have been opposing the castles policy of the CBN.
Recall that there were protests in Abuja, recently, following the discovery of a suit allegedly filed by the Department of State Service (DSS) where it accused the Governor of the CBN, Emefiele of financing terrorism as well as other crimes of national security dimension.
Ezugwu stated that some politicians have influenced the State Security Service in the planned arrest of Godwin Emefiele, which he said is unacceptable.
He, therefore urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney – General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami to commence processes of suspending and thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the national and international embarrassment.
“Those who want to receive and spend money without traces are those who have been kicking against the cashless policy of the CBN. If you have legitimate money, why are you afraid of cash withdrawal limits?
“There is no limit to the amount you can transfer through the bank but because they are having our stolen money, they don’t want to make traceable transactions and that is the sin of Mr. Godwin Emefiele”
Eugwu commended the judiciary for refusing to be used for the planned hatchet job that, he described as unfortunate.
According to him, by virtue of section 150 (1) and section 174 (1) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the Attorney – General of the Federation has the powers to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria.
