‘Consider national security’ — group cautions against protests over Emefiele’s arrest

Save Nigeria Movement, a civil society group, has appealed to those planning protests over the arrest of Godwin Emefiele, suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to shelve the idea.

The group cautioned those also planning to blackmail the Department of State Services (DSS) and the federal government over the arrest of Emefiele.

On June 9, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele and asked him to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, deputy governor, operations directorate at the CBN.

Shortly after the suspension, DSS announced that Emefiele was in its custody for “some investigative reasons”.

The arrest and detention of Emefiele have elicited reactions.

In a statement signed by Solomon Semaka, the group called for the arrest and prosecution of those spreading misinformation to “demotivate” DSS while carrying out its duties.

“Our intelligence has revealed misleading commentaries, speculative narratives, storylines, and videos being circulated in the social media by mischief makers insinuating that Mr Emefiele is unjustly detained and his rights are denied,” the statement reads.

“This is totally false as Mr Emefiele has direct access to his lawyers, medical services, family members, and other persons relevant to him at appropriate hours and days. Those fronting these lies should note that Nigerians are too enlightened to be swayed by cheap blackmail.

“Those planning to protest against the government and the DSS should reconsider their decision and choose rather stand on the side of justice, transparency, accelerated development and national security.

“The decision to bring Emefiele to book is in the public interest and the Department of State Services even before the new administration had taken such bold steps, thus deflating the narrative of vendetta.”

The group also called on all Nigerians to support the policies and decisions of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aimed at creating a  renewed Nigeria of hope and aspirations.