CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Suspended; SSS Seized His Passport

CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi Suspended By
President Jonathan
Earlier today, President Jonathan's special adviser,
Reuben Abati announced the sudden suspension of
Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi.
Why CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Was
Suspended
He was fired today due to lack of financial
accountability that has plagued the Central Bank of
Nigeria in recent months.
Read the official press statement released by Reuben
Abati (Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to GED)
on behalf of President Jonathan below:
Having taken special notice of reports of the Financial
Reporting Council of Nigeria and other investigating
bodies, which indicate clearly that Mallam Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi's tenure has been characterized by
various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct
which are inconsistent with the administration's
vision of a Central Bank propelled by the core values
of focused economic management, prudence,
transparency and financial discipline;
Being also deeply concerned about far-reaching
irregularities under Mallam Sanusi's watch which
have distracted the Central Bank away from the
pursuit and achievement of its statutory mandate;
and
Being determined to urgently re-position the
Central Bank of Nigeria for greater efficiency, respect
for due process and accountability, President
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has ordered the immediate
suspension of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from the
Office of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
President Jonathan has further ordered that
Mallam Sanusi should hand over to the most senior
Deputy Governor of the CBN, Dr Sarah Alade who will
serve as Acting Governor until the conclusion of on-
going investigations into breaches of enabling laws,
due process and mandate of the CBN.The President
expects that as Acting Governor of the Central Bank,
Dr. Alade will focus on the core mandate of the Bank
and conduct its affairs with greater professionalism,
prudence and propriety to restore domestic and
international confidence in the country's apex bank.
The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures all
stakeholders in Nigeria's financial and monetary
system that this decision has been taken in absolute
good faith, in the overall interest of the Nigerian
economy and in accordance with our laws and due
process.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)
February 20, 2014
The former CBN Governor who was in Niger Republic
when his suspension was announced has returned to
Nigeria.
He was on an official visit to an ECOWAS event when
President Jonathan fired him.
Sanusi arrived Lagos few hours ago. On arrival, State
Security officials, SSS seized his passport and
detained him briefly before releasing him.
Sanusi was accompanied by his in-law to be, Mallam
Nasir El-Rufai.
In a recent interview, Sanusi claimed he is not a
criminal and vowed to challenge President Jonathan
in court.
Sanusi said he doesn't want to return to his office but
he will challenge the fraud accusation levied against
him by President Goodluck Jonathan. He also vows to
preserve the integrity and independence of the Apex
bank.
Watch his recent interview on CNBC below:
Before his sudden suspension, Sanusi was planning
to marry his 4th wife, the younger sister of Mallam
Nasir El-Rufai.
Sanusi recently awarded El-Rufai a multi million naira
contract for Apex bank in Abuja.
Sent From David Aniemeka