President Bola Tinubu has appointed a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), Jim Obazee, as the Special Investigator to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other government business entities.
According to the letter, which strangely still addressed Obazee as FRCN CEO, the appointment takes immediate effect, and he is to report directly to the president.
The President, in the appointment letter dated July 28, said the Special Investigator would also work on a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments.
The letter reads: “In accordance with the fundamental objective outlined in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), this administration is today, continuing the fight against corruption by appointing you as a Special Investigator, to investigate the CBN and Related Entities. This appointment shall be with immediate effect, and you are to report directly to my office.
“The full terms of your engagement as Special Investigator shall be communicated to you in due course but, require that you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).
“You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent, and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment. I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made.
“Find attached, herewith, my directive suspending the Governor of the CBN from office with effect from 9th June 2023.”
Recall that Obazee, who was fired by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 over allegations of corruption, had also investigated the CBN under the tenure of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, based on which former President Goodluck Jonathan suspended Sanusi in February 2014.
…you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).
