Senate Confirms Olayemi Cardoso As CBN Governor

In a significant development, the Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of Dr. Olayemi Cardoso as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This confirmation comes after thorough screening and evaluation on Tuesday, during which Cardoso’s qualifications and suitability for the role were thoroughly examined. Dr. Cardoso’s confirmation also marks the approval of four nominees for the positions of Deputy Governors at the CBN. These appointments collectively signify a crucial step in shaping the direction of the apex bank’s operations over the next five years. It’s worth noting that Dr. Cardoso had assumed the role of Acting CBN Governor last week, pending his formal screening and subsequent confirmation by the Senate. This confirmation solidifies his position as the head of the CBN and underscores his mandate to lead the nation’s central banking institution. In addition to the CBN appointments, the Senate has set a date for the screening of two additional ministerial nominees, a move proposed by President Bola Tinubu. Dr. Jamila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande have been appointed as the Minister of Youths and Minister of State for Youths, respectively, by Tinubu during the National Assembly’s break. Their upcoming screening which will take place on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, will further reshape the composition of the federal cabinet.

Senate Screens CBN Gov Cardoso, Deputy Nominees Tuesday

The Senate will on Tuesday (today) screen former Chairman of the Board of Citi Bank Nigeria, Dr Olayemi Cardoso for the position of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The senate will also screen four nominees for the positions of CBN Deputy Governors, who will join forces with Cardoso to steer affairs of the apex bank in the next five years. In a statement by the Media Office of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate will screen all the nominees following its resumption from its annual recess. The senate had on August 8, adjourned sitting for its annual recess. The statement reads: “The senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will resume plenary on Tuesday, September 26. We will consider the screening of Dr Cardoso at the Committee of the Whole. “Cardoso will be screened alongside four deputy governors namely: Mrs Emem Usoro, Mr Muhammad Dattijo, Mr Philip Ikeazor and Dr Bala Bello. “Besides, the senate has scheduled to screen the ministerial nominees: Dr Jamila Ibrahim and Mr Ayodele Olawande, respectively designated as Minister of Youth and Minister of State for Youth on October 3.” President Bola Tinubu had on September 15, approved the nomination of Cardoso to serve as the new Governor of CBN. Tinubu also approved the nomination of four deputy governors for a term of five years each at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Senate.

Again, Emefiele’s arraignment stalled; ex-CBN gov settles for plea bargain

Suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele’s arraignment on alleged breach of procurement laws and contract inflation, was again stalled on Wednesday. Strong indications have also emerged that the detained former CBN Boss, has opted for a plea bargain policy to settle with the Federal Government, hence, the indefinite hold on the arraignment. NIGERIAN ANCHOR gathered that the arraignment on a 20-count charges slated for Wednesday August 23, was not listed in the cause list before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja It was also gathered at the courtroom that the arraignment was shifted at the instance of the detained CBN Chief. Authoritative sources confided in our correspondent that Emefiele and his-co accused, Saadat Yaro have opted for a plea bargain policy to settle with the Federal Government. Speaking on the development and the defendant’s absence in court, counsel to the defendant, Kehinde Akinlolu, confirmed the shift in the arraignment.  Emefiele’s lawyer, Kehinde Akinlolu SAN confirmed the shift in the arraignment when contacted on phone, adding that a new date may likely be issued by the court’s Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf. At the time of filing this report, operatives of the Department of State Service DSS who used to escort him to court were not seen, as well as his legal team. Meanwhile, the court has commenced proceedings on matters on the cause list. More details later…

FG seeks withdrawal of firearms case against Emefiele

* Introduces new charges against former CBN Gov The Federal Government has initiated steps to withdraw the case of “illegal possession of firearms” it had previously filed against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, made an oral application before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, explaining that the decision was based on the outcome of further investigations. However, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal representative for Emefiele, opposed the application. He argued that the government should rectify its disregard for the court’s order granting Emefiele bail before proceeding with its application. Justice Oweibo has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, August 17, 2023, to make a ruling on the matter. After the proceedings, the DPP revealed that a fresh set of charges, totaling 20 counts, has been filed against the suspended CBN governor at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Among the charges is an accusation of “conferring unlawful advantages” against Emefiele.