Former President Buhari Clarifies Decision to Retain Emefiele as CBN Governor in New Memoir

Former President Buhari’s Memoir Unveils Insights on Emefiele’s Tenure and 2023 Presidential Speculations

In the recently launched memoir, “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023),” penned by former Special Adviser Femi Adesina, Former President Muhammadu Buhari elaborates on the rationale behind his decision not to remove the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, amid widespread speculations about Emefiele’s potential candidacy in the 2023 presidential elections.

Buhari’s Justification for Retaining Emefiele

Buhari emphasized that during his tenure, Emefiele never discussed any aspirations for the presidency with him.

The former president asserted that unless there was substantial evidence against Emefiele, it would be unjust and an act of injustice to dismiss him based on mere hearsay.

“If you punish a man unjustly, it could dog his footsteps throughout life, so if you would punish, you must have evidence, and you should know that yourself wouldn’t be there forever.

You would leave one day,” Buhari stated in the book.

Consciousness of Fairness and Morale

Expressing his consciousness about the morale of those serving with him, Buhari highlighted the importance of fairness in decision-making.

He acknowledged the significance of being fair to those who serve and expects the same fairness from whoever succeeds him, considering the impact on his family and friends.

“I’m very conscious about the morale of people who serve with me. I also expect whoever succeeds me to be fair to me. I have family and friends who will feel it. I’m very conscious of fairness,” Buhari remarked.

Handling Speculations About Emefiele’s 2023 Presidential Candidacy

Addressing Emefiele’s rumored involvement in the 2023 presidential campaign, Buhari revealed that he did not inquire about it because Emefiele had not disclosed any such plans.

However, Buhari affirmed that had Emefiele communicated his intent, he would have taken action and removed him from the position, providing a clear explanation to the nation.

“When he was linked with the campaign for the 2023 presidency, I did not ask him because he told nobody he was getting involved.

Otherwise, I would have removed him and told the nation why,” Buhari explained in the memoir.

The memoir serves as a window into the decision-making process of Former President Buhari, offering insights into leadership, fairness, and the intricacies of managing speculations surrounding key figures during his tenure.

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