The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan over suspension of Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and the worsening insecurity in Borno and other parts of the North.

A statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Muhammad Ibrahim, and issued today in Kaduna, North-West Nigeria, said Sanusi’s suspension has negative implication on transparency and good governance. “It also negates the principle of separation of power.

“Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is the governor of CBN duly and properly appointed according to law,” the statement said, adding:

“The executive has reportedly suspended him, appointed somebody in acting capacity and submitted the name of his replacement to the Senate. This shows that the government has already decided to sack him.

“ACF wishes to remind the government that only the Senate has the power to dismiss or remove the CBN Governor with a 2/3 majority vote following due process.

“ACF wishes to advise the government and all concerned to avoid doing anything that will tarnish the image and refrain from exposing Nigeria to ridicule at the international level.”

On insecurity, ACF said: “The incessant attacks by the ‘Boko Haram’ has continued unabated, thereby leaving the people in a state of despair, despite the deployment of military and security agencies in the affected areas.

“The governor of Borno State who is the Chief Security Officer of his state has been alive to his responsibility, to the extent of briefing Mr. President on the problems of the state on daily basis.

Also, the incessant ethnic/communal clashes in Benue, Plateau, Nassarawa and other states of the North are gradually undermining the long existing cordial relationship and harmony amongst the various ethnic groups.

“The bad governance resulting in rampant poverty, unemployment, disease, ignorance, etc, remains the major reason for under development and insecurity in the North.”

•Photo shows ACF Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie.

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