Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed on Sunday that the Bola Tinubu administration is grappling with the complexities of addressing the economic challenges left by former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Speaking during Senator Barinada Mpigi’s Thanksgiving service in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State, Akpabio expressed uncertainty over the specific legal charges to be leveled against Emefiele, highlighting the severity of the economic “mess” encountered.
The ambiguity surrounding the case against Emefiele stems from a range of alleged financial misdeeds, leaving the current administration deliberating on the appropriate course of legal action. “We did not even know what to charge him with – whether for putting foam on top of the bill, illegal firearm possession, printing notes without income. I don’t know what we are going to charge him with,” Akpabio remarked, pointing to the complexity of the allegations.
Akpabio linked the prevailing economic hardship and hunger directly to policies and actions undertaken during Emefiele’s tenure, acknowledging the tangible impact on Nigerian citizens today. The Senate President called for recognition of the current hunger crisis and reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to improving security and living standards across the country.
However, he urged for patience from the populace, reminding them of the deep-seated issues that have plagued Nigeria for decades. “That rot that has happened in Nigeria for so many years for almost 60 years—cannot be solved in six months,” he stated, emphasizing the monumental task at hand.
Emefiele’s removal from his position in June 2023 by President Tinubu marked the beginning of a controversial chapter, with subsequent accusations related to financial crimes further complicating his legacy. In January, the Federal Government revised the criminal charges against the former CBN governor, expanding the initial six counts to a total of 20, including accusations of criminal breach of trust, forgery, and procurement fraud among others.
Despite the legal uncertainties and economic challenges ahead, Akpabio remains steadfast in his belief that the government is making strides towards economic recovery and national stability. He assured Nigerians that the administration, having campaigned vigorously for their mandate, is fully committed to addressing the issues and will not let the citizens down.
