Sanusi Faults Opposition to the Relocation of Some of the Operational Departments of CBN to Lagos

Former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido, has faulted the growing opposition to the relocating of some of the operational departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos.

Sanusi, who also is a former CBN Governor, asked the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso not to yield to pressure from the North, but push through the decision.

He traced some of the opposition. To many staff of the CBN who children of the politically exposed persons are, whose Abuja life and business are more important than the CBN duties.

The former Emir recalled how he wanted to relocate some of the departments from Abuja to Lagos, when he was the CBN Governor, but could not actualize it due to insufficient time.

Read Also:

CBN Resumes Clearing of FOREX Backlog of Foreign Airlines Operating In Nigeria

The relocation, according to him, would streamline the operations of the CBN, make it more effective and reduces costs of operations in the banking sector.

He said, My advice to the Governor is to go ahead with his policy. Once the CBN starts bending to political pressure on one thing it will continue doing so.

Northern politicians will shout that this is moving from Abuja to Lagos. Abuja is a federal capital not a northern issue. So long as this is a principled decision the noise should be ignored.

When i was about to license Jaiz bank there was a lot of religious noise from CAN etc. Even enlightened people like Okey Emelamah were going to sue me to court on religious grounds. I ignored it and licenced the bank. Nothing happened.

A christian Governor after me licenced at least two more non- interest banks. No one is even noticing again.

Ethnic and religious bigots will always shout. The CBN should rise above it and just do what needs to be done. It is a very unpopular and difficult job and the Governor needs to be tough.