President Jonathan insists Sanusi is still CBN Governor

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has insisted that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, remains the Governor of the Central Bank.

The president was responding to questions during the presidential media chat on Monday and explained that the Kano prince was suspended, to allow investigations into allegation of financial misappropriation against him to be carried out.

He also said that Sanusi will return to his position, if he is found to be innocent of all charges at the end of the investigation.

“Forget whether you like Jonathan or not, as the President, the President has absolute power to suspend the CBN governor or anybody,” he stated.

“Sanusi is still the governor of the CBN. Sanusi can come back tomorrow to continue his work. Sanusi only stepped aside. The issue of suspension and removal are very different.

Sanusi had earlier revealed that he would challenge his removal legally, but would not return if he is asked to, saying “even if I challenge it, I will not go back to the job. Even if I challenge it successfully, I will not go back to it. I think it will be in the interest of the institution for the courts to establish once and for all if the president has the powers to do this.

“If it is not challenged, the next Central Bank Governor cannot be independent with fear of being suspended by a politician. I do plan to have the courts confirm if indeed that authority exists and I will challenge it.”

Source:Dailypost