Business
Ex-Banker Wants Emefiele To Study CBN Act
A financial expert, Mr
Okechukwu Unegbu, has advised Mr Godwin Emefiele, whose nomination as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was approved by the Senate to study the Act that established the bank.
Unegbu, a former managing director of defunct Citizen’s Bank, gave the advice while reacting to Wednesday’s confirmation of Emefiele’s nomination by the Senate.
He told newsmen in Abuja, that there was the need for the in-coming CBN governor to fully understand the law guiding the operations of the bank.
According to him, understanding the Act and other issues of the bank would guide Emefiele in formulating sound policies for the financial sector.
He said that with good understanding of the Act, Emefiele would be able to make good policies that would strengthen the naira, moderate the exchange rate and the interest rate.
“I will simply congratulate him on the confirmation and advise that he should pick up the Act establishing the bank and study it, especially now he has some time before he assumes duty.
“He should read all that is required to read and know the functions of the bank to enable him to make good policies.
“He must not engage on unnecessary monetary policies to express his expertise,’’ he said.
Unegbu acknowledged that the in-coming apex bank governor had a good track record as the managing director of Zenith Bank, saying, however, that, “he should know that being a regulator is a different ball game”.
“He must make sure that he is abreast with issues around public finance. I wish him well,’’ he said.
Unegbu also called on operators and stakeholders in the finance industry to support the new governor when he assumed office.
Another economist, Mr Ezeh Onyekpere, said Emefile had the qualification to be CBN governor, adding that he had contributed positively to the growth of Zenith Bank.
“We just have to allow him reel out his vision and we will begin to assess and support him,” he said.
The Tide recalls that Emefiele’s nomination as successor to Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, whose appointment as CBN governor was suspended on February 20, was sent to the Senate by President Goodluck Jonathan same day.