Senator Bukola Saraki has expressed shock over comments credited to the Chairman Senate Committee on information, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on the suspension of Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Senator Abaribe had said:
“The Senate said president Goodluck Jonathan acted within the ambit of his statutory function in the suspension of the Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi”
Senator Saraki has now come out through a press release to contest that statement as he claims the issue of Sanusi’s suspension was not debated in the Senate.
It is noteworthy and for record purposes that at no time on the floor of the hallowed chamber did the Senate debate the issue of the suspension and or removal of the CBN Governor, hence Senator Abaribe’s statement is misleading and should be regarded as his own personal opinion and not that of the entire Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Saraki revealed.
Senator Saraki also stated that the suspension of the CBN governor was unlawful as the President did not have two third of the senate supporting the removal:
The law that establishes and guides the operations of CBN does not provide for suspension of CBN Governor. The Act clearly states the terms and conditions under which CBN governor can be removed from office as contained in Section 11 (f) of the CBN Act of 2007. It states that the removal of CBN governor by the President shall be supported by two third majority of the Senate praying that he so be removed. This apparently, to the best of my knowledge, is not seen to have be done in this case.
He also explained that the issue at hand was not all about Sanusi Lamido Sanusi but the integrity of the Central Bank:
As a matter of emphasis, the term of a CBN Governor is constitutionally guaranteed. The nomination of CBN Governor by the President is simply performing a legal duty and not that of expressing his pleasure. It must equally be noted at this juncture that the issue at hand is not about the person of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi but about the integrity of the institution involved. In as much as I do not have any reason against the nomination of the New CBN Governor or his competency, I stand firm to say that the institution is bigger than each and everyone of us and it is in this light that we as stakeholders in the system of governance should not for any personal reasons or sentiment, weaken our institutions under any guise, he continued.
He also urged his fellow lawmakers to draw a thick line and show sensitivity between their personal opinions and that of the legislative bodies. He also requested that the lawmakers uphold the laws in the constitution and defend it:
I urge my fellow Distinguished Senators on the need to be guided by law and to be explicit and also differentiate their opinions and thoughts especially when commenting on issues of national interest in their private capacity as opposed to when speaking an official capacity. It is my believe that due to the importance and sensitivity of this issue, that when the Senate resumes on its next legislative day, it will view this matter from a bipartisan approach and not along party lines or other divides but rather in the best interest of our dear country.
As legislators and representatives of the people, we must be seen to protect our laws, defend it and upholds the constitution of the Federal Republic in the interest of the present generation and even that of the unborn. As we celebrate the centenary of our dear country, it is time we all understand the need for change in our individual and collective approach to issues and interest of Nigerians.
