Economic experts have cautioned lawmakers and the Department of State Services, DSS, against further destabilizing Nigeria’s economy over purported terrorist accusations brought against Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
On Monday, the DSS was accused of organizing preparations to detain and remove the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by the Coalition of National Interest Defenders in full view of the media.
During a news conference in Abuja, the coalition’s Coordinator, Tochukwu Ohazurike, made the accusation.
The group alleged that the DSS filed a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja accusing Emefiele of Terrorism financing.
In reaction to the allegations making the rounds in the media, the country’s secret service said it remained focused on its mandate.
“While professionally discharging its mandate, the DSS pledges to remain focused and unbiased. It will not, by any means, succumb to propaganda, intimidation and the desperation of hirelings to undermine it. It will also not give room to the use of falsehood and deceit to misdirect public understanding and perceptions of issues of national importance”, a statement to DAILY POST by DSS’s spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, said.
Meanwhile, a crowd of protesters with placards stormed the streets of Abuja demanding the sack of the DSS Director General, Mr Yusuf Bichi.
Reacting to the development in a chat on Monday, a financial inclusion/wealth management expert, Mr Idakolo Gbolade said if the allegation is true, the DSS’s move is politically motivated.
He explained that the secret service is acting on a script to witch-hunt Emefiele over his perceived anti-establishment monetary policies in recent times.
“If the alleged arrest plot is confirmed, then it can be assumed to be politically motivated. I want to believe it is not valid.
“However, from the body language of the National Assembly and Political parties, it seems they are against the withdrawal limit. In the past few months, The CBN’s policies regarding Naira redesign, withdrawal limits, etc., have been seen targeting political moneybags that have stored up enough cash for the upcoming elections, which will significantly disrupt their plans. From an economic point of view, these policies are necessary for the economy and to safeguard our elections’ sanctity.
“If the claim by the group is confirmed, then the DSS will be acting on a script because most of the funds seized by the DSS might be affected by the CBN policy”, he stated.
