Daud Olatunji
In a dramatic turn of events, a high-stakes clash has erupted between former President Muhammadu Buhari’s minister, his associates, and Special Investigator Jim Obazee, who is leading the charge in probing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under its former governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The confrontation intensifies as the Special Investigator prepares to extend the scope of the investigation to other government businesses.
Reports suggest that the unnamed former Minister and his four colleagues, fearing exposure of their alleged wrongdoings during their time in government, have initiated what is described as a “massive and ferocious media war.”
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that their apparent goal is to sway President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the ongoing investigation.
Amid this turmoil, a coalition comprising 259 anti-corruption, civil society, and human rights groups, identified as the Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER), has urged President Tinubu to grant an indefinite extension to the Special Investigator’s mandate.
COTER emphasizes the importance of allowing the investigation to continue for the greater good of the nation.
The former Minister and his allies reportedly moved swiftly against Obazee upon learning of a summon letter, which would require the former Minister’s appearance for questioning regarding alleged fraudulent activities during his tenure.
This preemptive strike is seen as an attempt to thwart the next phase of the investigation.
COTER, in a strongly worded statement, condemned what they described as a “media war” against the Special Investigator and cautioned President Tinubu not to succumb to pressure to halt the probe.
The coalition emphasized the international credibility achieved through the investigator’s work and called for an extension of his tenure.
The group also called for immediate trial and recovery of funds from those already indicted, warning against what they perceive as attempts to manipulate public opinion through false allegations against the Special Investigator.
In response, COTER praised President Tinubu for his courage and determination and recommended that Jim Obazee be honoured with a special national award for his unwavering commitment to the investigation.
The coalition insisted that the international community is closely monitoring the outcome of the investigations, urging Tinubu not to let the matter be swept under the carpet.
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