By Dipo Olowookere
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, has shunned an invitation extended to him by the House of Representatives to investigate the over $44 million discovered in a flat in Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) few months ago.
It was learnt that Mr Emefiele did not honour the invitation, claiming he was not permitted by the National Security Agencies Act to discuss security issues in public.
The CBN Governor, in a letter to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, which was mandated to probe the matter, stated that appearing before the panel would result to a breach of the Act.
Also, Mr Emefiele reminded the lawmakers that this matter was already being investigated by the Acting President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo, as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, and wondered why he should be asked to appear the reps.
But Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Mr Aminu Sani-Jaji, expressed frustration at the apex bank boss’ snub of the committee.
According to him, “This CBN governor doesn’t even know that there is something called separation of powers.”
Adedapo Adesanya