(Updated) Senate Confirms Receipt of Presidential Letter Reappointing Emefiele as CBN Governor

By Deji Elumoye

The Senate on Thursday confirmed receiving a  letter from President Muhammadu Buhari reappointing Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and seeking Senate confirmation.

In a one-page letter dated May 8, 2019 and titled ‘Renewal of the appointment of Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria,’ and read at plenary Thursday by Senate President Bukola Saraki, President Buhari requested the upper chamber of the National Assembly to confirm the reappointment of Emeifele as CBN Governor for another term of five years.

The letter read: “In view of the expiration of the first tenure of the current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on June 2, 2019, and in pursuant to the provisions of Section 81 (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007, I hereby present for confirmation by the Senate, Mr Godwin I Emefiele for re-appointment as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a final term of five years.

“It is my hope that this distinguished Senate will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner”.

“Please accept, Mr Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

With the reading of the letter at Thursday’s plenary, the Senate at its next legislative sitting on Tuesday may fix a particular date for screening and confirmation of Emefiele for another five year tenure as CBN Governor.

Emefiele was appointed the CBN Governor in May, 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan but assumed office on June 2, 2014 after confirmation by the Senate.