CSOs ask Buhari to intervene in alleged plot to frame Emefiele for terrorism

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in an alleged plot to frame Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for terrorism.

The CSOs in the coalition comprise Lawyers in Defence of Economic Rights and Justice, Forum of Chairmen of Political Parties, Ethnic Youth Leaders of Nigeria, Buhari Legacy Defenders, African Centre for Justice and Human Rights, Arewa Consultative Youths Movement, and Ohanaeze Youths Movement.

On Monday, the CSOs alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) “secretly” filed terrorism charges against the CBN governor in a bid to oust him from office.

In petitions dated December 17 and 19 and sent to Buhari, the CSOs wondered why the secret police would make an attempt to undermine his authority.

The petitions were signed by Tochukwu Ohazuruike, convener of the coalition.

“How could an appointee of the president brazenly undermine the authority of the president and carry out actions that could so destabilize the government and the economy of the country at unimaginable proportions? This is totally unacceptable and a grave risk for such a person to be allowed to continue to stay in government,” the petition reads.

“Sir, how could the director-general of SSS file papers in Court on 7th December, 2022 accusing someone of being a terrorist yet allowed Mr. President to travel with such a person with the person having unrestricted access to the President?

“That is the height of poor judgment on the part of the DG, SSS and it is only a thorough investigation that can reveal exactly what happened.

“It is on this basis that we call for the immediate suspension, arrest, investigation and prosecution of Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the Director General of the State Security Services for undermining the authority of the president usurping his powers and involving in acts capable of threatening the national security of our country.

“While thanking Your Excellency for your urgent consideration and actions, accept Mr. President’s assurances of our highest esteem.”

Peter Afunnaya, the spokesman of the DSS, is yet to comment on the allegation.