By Mohammed Bello Doka.
Godwin Emefile, the former head of Nigeria's apex bank, recently made a court appearance that caught the attention of many. Clutching a Bible, he seemed to be attempting to whip up sentiment and portray himself as a Christian faithful being persecuted by a Muslim government. This move is not uncommon in Nigeria, where ethno-religious tensions often play a significant role in political narratives.
Emefile's suspension by President Tinubu few week ago sparked controversy and raised questions about his tenure as the head of the country's apex bank. Serving since 2014, Emefile's time in office was marked by a series of controversial decisions. One such decision was the devaluation of the Naira, which directly contradicted the directives of then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Furthermore, Emefile spearheaded an unpopular Naira redesign policy that had far-reaching consequences for many Nigerians. This policy, aimed at curbing counterfeiting, resulted in increased hardship and a rise in the unemployment rate. The negative consequences of this policy left many Nigerians suffering, further fueling public dissatisfaction with Emefile's leadership.
President Tinubu's decision to suspend Emefile came after receiving a report from the Department of State Services. The report accused him of various offenses, including money laundering, terrorism financing on behalf of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and involvement in a dollars racketeering scheme. These allegations, if proven true, would reflect serious wrongdoing on Emefile's part.
However, rather than facing these charges with dignity and integrity, Emefile chose to adopt the role of a victim and play the religious card that has long been used to divide Nigeria along ethno-religious lines.
This tactic is not new in Nigerian politics, where politicians frequently exploit existing fault lines to rally support or deflect from their own misdeeds.
It is worth noting that Emefile's ambition to run for the presidency of Nigeria while still serving as the head of the apex bank goes against civil service rules and other existing laws. This disregard for established protocols and regulations raises concerns about his ethical conduct and judgment.
This situation serves as a reminder that Nigeria's elite must learn to abide by the rules and refrain from resorting to divisive ethno-religious strategies in their quest for power and influence. The country's development and progress are hindered when politicians prioritize identity politics over good governance and adherence to the law.
Nigeria, with its diverse population and vast potential, needs leaders who can unite the nation and prioritize the common good. It is crucial for individuals in positions of authority to lead by example, promoting transparency, accountability, and fair play.
Moving forward, it is essential for Nigerian society to foster a culture where meritocracy and the rule of law prevail over ethnic and religious considerations.
This shift will require collective effort from citizens, civil society organizations, and political leaders who genuinely aspire to build a prosperous and harmonious nation.
Emefile's court appearance clutching a Bible to evoke sympathy and appeal to religious sentiments exemplifies the typical ethno-religious mentality often observed in Nigeria. His suspension and the allegations against him raise serious concerns about his leadership during his tenure at Nigeria's apex bank. It is imperative for Nigeria's elite to prioritize the rule of law and good governance over divisive tactics, ensuring that the country can achieve its full potential and thrive as a united and prosperous nation.
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