By KEMI KASUMU
Following publication Tuesday of botched plans by some support groups working for Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to stage violent massive protests across major cities of Nigeria, mainly Abuja the nation’s capital, with major aim of calling for the sack of Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, Nigerians, who refused to be impressed by the “unpatriotic” plans, have reacted with several condemnations.
They are asking questions to know at what time a CBN Governor, occupying a strictly professional and financial security and non-political position, began to have support groups and for what purpose.
The DEFENDER had Tuesday reported plans by some named elements sponsored, allegedly, by Emefiele, who had perfected mobilising coalition of several Civil Society Organisations, registered or not, to launched a campaign against the DSS and its leadership for doing their job of ensuring national security.
The groups sympathetic with the Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, were exposed to by impeccable sources privy to their meeting organised by the duo of Toochukwu Ohazuruike and Godwin Meliga at Rockview Hotel, Abuja late Monday night disclosed that the protests are targeted at the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS).
One of the sources had stated that “at the end of the meeting, it was resolved that the next protest starting from Wednesday 21st December will be massive and mother of all protests”. The timely exposition of the plots may have been responsible for why the execution did not take place Wednesday as planned although they earlier did one trying to block arrest, allegedly, by DSS of their principal.
He had said further to say that, “through out this week, we agreed to protest from Wednesday till Friday. We are ready to protest on Friday. We want those going for Jumat to join us. It is a Bichi Must Go protest”.
We gathered, further, that the meeting, among others, allegedly affirmed to stage the protests in Abuja and other select cities such as Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Aba, Lagos and Kano all in a bid to show solidarity for Emefiele and his monetary policies at the CBN.
Some of those that attended the meeting also disclosed that it was suggested that the protesters would present a picture of support for the President and march to the Ministry of Justice, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and other strategic public offices calling for the removal of the DG DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi.
Furthermore, the planners agreed to use the hurriedly organised Coalition of National Interest Defenders (CNID), a group of self acclaimed activists cutting across tribal and professional groups to carry out the protests.
Reactions of Nigerians to the publication included but not limited to the followings:
“What a country! A CBN Governor has Support Group. Which election is he contesting! So sad a development. Is Emefiele above the law?” Amos said.
Another reaction: “He is not contesting. However, he is holding political appointment ooo! This is Nigeria ooo!”
Another reaction: “The position of CBN Governor is NOT a political appointment. It’s purely professional and the CBN Act is clear on it. Let’s stop the abuse.”
Another reaction: “What did the Act says sir?
Replying: “The Governor and Deputy-Governors shall be persons of recognized financial experience and shall be appointed by the President subject to confirmation by the Senate on such terms and conditions as may be set out in their respective letters of appointment.
“Even when I saw the report of some persons protesting the alleged “licked Memo” of the DSS, of a planned legal action, I was shocked.
“Protesting that DSS wants to sue CBN Gov. ?”
“The emphasis is on RECOGNISED Financial experience and NOT politics. Let’s not allow Emefiele destroy the financial sector completely. The institution should be protected not the individual,” another reaction.
It was further said, “On the CBN governor being a public servant, it has been argued that by the definition of the civil service in Section 318, which is to the effect that a public/civil servant is a person in the service of the federation and as the Governor’s service is to the Federation, he falls under the public service of the Federation. On the argument that he is a political appointee, Section 8 of the CBN Act provides that the governor is appointed by the President subject to the confirmation by the Senate.”
Reactions to the publication via Facebook users as follows:
Isaac Sunday Oyebola said, “What for??l did not blame them , if not for our president that overlook everything he needs not to be CBN governor immediately APC came to power.”. Supported by Sekynat Ajoke , who said, “Isaac Sunday Oyebola my thot exactly as I read d news. It’s all PMB’s fault.”
Isaac Adewale Fabiyi said, “Supporting Emefiele and his policies doesn’t require any mass protest. I see this as a misplaced priority.”
Wilberforce Worukwo said, “Over what are they protesting?” Supported by Ardak Kokimbayeva who said, “Wilberforce Worukwo They just needed any reason for protest. Non of the group supporting Emefiele existed before. All of them born one day except of Ohaneze.”
Bashir Alabede Salahudeen said, “These people are after the downfall of Nigeria in which their wills shall bounce back on them.”
Sekynat Ajoke said, “See all d names involved SE. Later they will claim they are bin victimized and marginalized,” supported by Ardak Kokimbayeva who said, “Sekynat Ajoke you are absolutely right. They do not have evidence to prove him innocent but all they want is power in a Golden tray. All groups do not even exist anywhere. Especially Middle Belt Youth. Middke Belt will never ever support anything concerning SE.”
