All Peoples Congress (APC) lawmakers in the House of Representatives have said President Goodluck Jonathan lacked the powers to fire Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
A section of the media had recently reported a telephone conversation between Jonathan and the CBN, where the former allegedly advised Sanusi to resign.
However, APC lawmakers in the House have pointedly told Jonathan that as much as it was within his rights to make such demand, he lacked the powers to enforce such.
The lawmakers’ position was contained in a statement issued Sunday by Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila.
“Mr President has the right to ask the CBN Governor to resign, same way Nigerians have the right to ask him or anyone to resign.
“However and unfortunately he does not have the powers. Having a right is one thing, having the power is another. Many have asked Mr President to resign but lack the powers to compel him,” submitted Gbajabiamala.
The Minority Leader questioned the competence of President Jonathan’s advisers, stressing, “if those advising the President cannot think at least they can read.”
Said Gbajabiamila: “The laws of the land are written in English and in black and white. By asking that the President seek approval of two third of the Senate, the law essentially seeks to enforce the doctrine of checks and balances and to avoid the abuse of powers of a capricious and arbitrary President whilst at the same time guarantee the autonomy of the CBN.”
Gbajabiamila stated that the needless controversy has lent support to the campaign for autonomy for the apex bank.
“It is funny that Nigerians rose stoutly to the defence of the CBN governor when the legislature attempted to amend the CBN Act to make the institution more accountable to the National Assembly.
“Now I see the wisdom in the position taken by most Nigerians. The CBN must be protected from an overbearing executive or any other arm of government.”
The House Minority Leader expressed dissatisfaction with what he said was the President’s contempt for requests by Nigerians and members of the National Assembly urging him to purge his cabinet of corrupt officials.
“Funny enough I remember the National Assembly had asked Mr President to relieve the SEC director general from her post for reason of non qualification, he refused.
“The House and the majority of Nigerians had asked same as regards the aviation minister for reason of fraud and non compliance with the public procurement Act, he refused and now he wants to relieve the CBN governor of his position because of speculations that he released a letter to the public,” he added.