The suspension of the President of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, was recently applauded by the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SIPDEL).
Furthermore, it called for a comprehensive investigation into his administration in light of claims that it mismanaged the country’s economy.
The most recent announcement by NBA-SPIDEL came in advance of its upcoming annual conference, scheduled to take place at Citadel Complex, Oregun, Ikeja Lagos State, from June 20 to 23, 2023.
Tuesday, Monday Ubani, chairman of the NBA-SPIDEL, and Mr. Okey Ohagba, chairman of the conference planning committee, forwarded to Obasanjonews24 this most recent statement, which was jointly signed by both.
The NBA-SPIDEL urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a highly qualified panel of investigators to look into the alleged fraud involving the previous Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, and an Air Nigeria flight, which, in their opinion, has made Nigeria the laughing stock of the international aviation community.
“This matter is a litmus test for the new administration, especially if President Bola Tinubu wants to be seen as desirous of combating corruption in the country,” it was added.
“If the claim that the aircraft said to be for Air Nigeria was simply a chartered flight from an Ethiopian airline to dupe Nigerians,” it continued, “if the assertion made by the Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Dayo Olumide, during a senate hearing.”
A zero-tolerance approach should be taken to corruption and improper use of public funds, the human rights organization advised the Tinubu administration.
“The government must uphold the law’s authority and refrain from executive lawlessness and impunity. Acts like these will put his administration on a collision course with the human rights movement and civil society.
The majority of Nigerians will be very supportive of the government if it upholds the rule of law, respects human rights, and ensures accountability and transparency as fundamental goals of state policy.
Regarding the removal of fuel subsidies, the NBA-SPIDEL expressed displeasure at the negative effects the new policy had on the helpless citizens who are always the targets of such government policies. The NBA-SPIDEL tasked the government with implementing more stringent and carefully considered economic packages to mitigate the negative effects of the removal of oil subsidies.
The non-governmental organization praised the efforts made by the Nigerian federal government in the midst of consultations to develop remedies meant to lessen the severity of the abrupt removal, but it also urged the new President to seek wisdom and the right kind of counsel in order to navigate out of the numerous difficulties Nigeria has encountered.
