Despite rejecting the flurry of calls urging him to join the contest for presidency in 2023, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Godwin Emefiele, may have finally succumb as it was gathered that he is heading to a Federal Court to seek constitutional clarification.
It was learnt that the CBN governor has approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to seek a constitutional interpretation on his non-resignation from his job at the CBN while pursuing his political aspiration.
On Friday, a coalition comprising Rice Farmers Association, Emefiele Support Group, and Friends of Godwin, approached the ruling All Progressice Congress(APC) and obtained the N100m nomination and expression of interest forms for the CBN Governor.
This was followed by widespread condemnations as the CBN governor came under heavy criticism, with many demanding his resignation from his position as the head of the country’s apex bank.
However, Emefiele had rejected the nomination forms, saying should he decided to contest for presidency he will do so with his ‘hard earned savings’.
Beyond Emefiele’s rejection, it was further gathered that the CBN governor had reached out to a constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Dr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), to seek interpretation of the constitution and public service rules on public servants seeking elective positions while in office.
A highly placed source in the CBN who spoke with the members of the press, said the case has been fixed for hearing today.
The source, however kept mum on the details in the lawsuit.
“Emefiele has just briefed Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) as his lawyer. He has just filed a case in court and is coming up tomorrow (today, Monday),” he was quoted as saying.
Also, the Chairman of Ward 6 in the Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr Nduka Erikpume, in an interview with the PUNCH confirmed that Emefiele is a registered member of the ruling APC.
When asked whether Emefiele had registered in the APC, Erikpume said, “Yes, he has registered since February 2021. He is our member.”
