The South South Reawakening Group (SSRG) requested on Monday that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, defend himself against allegations of terrorism financing made by the Directorate of State Services (DSS).
In a statement published and signed by its Convener, Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, the group, which is one of the most prominent pressure groups in the Niger Delta Region, stated that Emefiele must clear his name of allegations made by the DSS.
Ambakederimo said, “We are not disturbed at the news of the invitation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) as expressed by a section of the polity when the news broke a couple of days back.
“Whatever was alleged by the DSS, Emefiele must be made to answer to these allegations and clear his name. The allegation of terrorism financing for us is a very grave one which is frowned at in any jurisdiction around the world. Therefore, Emefiele does not have a hiding place after all.”
The SSRG remarked that the governor of the CBN could not escape the allegations of supporting terrorism against him, recalling that such conduct is a heinous crime that no nation tolerates.
“Wherever Godwin Emefiele is, is not safe for him and this is the reason he must come back home to clear his name once and for all. Issues of terrorism is a grave offence anywhere in the world. No nation will condone such actions when they are raised considering the devastation of terrorism whenever it raises its ugly head.
“Countries are known to take very drastic action against anyone suspected to have engaged in such dastardly acts to forestall destruction of human lives and properties. Therefore, it cannot be different approach in this part of the world. This issue must be decisively dealt with to get to the root of the matter to unearth others involved as he Emefiele cannot be seen to have acted alone. The DSS must identify and bring to book all his collaborators and facilitators,” it added.
The SSRG was likewise opposed to the narrative that attributes political overtones to what the DSS is pursuing, characterizing such ideas as figments of their fickle minds.
The group stated, “Rather than take a binocular look at the allegations these persons tend to trivialize a very serious matter that borders on our national security on political propaganda built on falsehood.
“Going further Nigerians must understand how to react on issues of national security. We take exception to the courts impeding the work of a critical security agency. The judge who gave the order must be reprimanded because his actions are inimical to the overall safety of the nation.
“Emefiele should be taken in for questioning and if found to be culpable should be made to face the full weight of the law and if otherwise should be set free.”
