In a recent public appearance, former President Goodluck Jonathan addressed the long-standing controversy surrounding the suspension of Emir Muhammad Sanusi from his role as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Speaking at the launch of the book Public Policy and Agents Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World, co-authored by former Minister of Finance Shamshudeen Usman, Jonathan sought to clarify his position on the matter.
Jonathan firmly stated that he did not sack Sanusi but rather suspended him due to issues raised by the Financial Reporting Council concerning the CBN’s financial practices. According to Jonathan, Sanusi’s suspension was linked to serious infractions that warranted a review of the Central Bank’s expenditure. He emphasized that the timing was short, and by the time the review was underway, Sanusi’s tenure had already elapsed. Jonathan suggested that, had there been more time, Sanusi could have potentially been reinstated.
One of the central issues in the debate has been Sanusi’s claim that $49.8 billion went missing from the Nigerian government’s accounts. Jonathan categorically denied this assertion, expressing skepticism about the figure’s validity. He pointed out that during his administration, Nigeria’s entire budget was only $31.6 billion, raising questions about how such a significant loss could occur without noticeable effects on government operations, including salary payments.
Jonathan also remarked on the changing figures presented by Sanusi over time, noting that the claimed missing amount shifted from $49.8 billion to $20 billion, and then to $12 billion. This inconsistency, according to Jonathan, further complicates the narrative and casts doubt on the credibility of the claims.
While addressing the claims, Jonathan acknowledged some disagreements with the opinions expressed by contributors in the book but made it clear that he did not want to engage in disputes, especially regarding someone as respected as Sanusi. He urged the need for thorough research into the claims of missing funds, suggesting that the complexities of financial reporting in such matters require a more in-depth analysis.
Jonathan’s comments highlight ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s financial institutions. The narrative surrounding Sanusi’s suspension and the missing funds continues to be a point of contention in Nigerian politics, reflecting broader issues related to governance and financial oversight.
In summary, Jonathan’s recent statements serve to clarify the reasons behind Sanusi’s suspension and challenge the narrative surrounding the alleged missing $49.8 billion. As the discourse continues, it remains essential for stakeholders in Nigeria to advocate for transparency and comprehensive audits to ensure the integrity of financial reporting and governance.
