Tinubu appoints Jim Obazee special investigator to probe CBN, others
By Emma Ogbuehi
President Bola Tinubu has appointed a Special Investigator to probe the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and related entities.
In a letter, sighted on Sunday by The Nation, President Tinubu appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), Jim Osayande Obazee, as the Special Investigator.
In the letter, which was dated July 28, 2023, President Tinubu explained that he took the step to appoint a Special Investigator to continue the fight against corruption as well as sanitise the nation’s business entities.
Tinubu asked the Special Investigator to investigate CBN and Government Business Entities (GBEs).
But beyond that, the President said the duties of the Special Investigator go beyond just the investigation of the apex bank and all government business entities, but also to ensure their strengthening and probity as well as provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments.
While assuring Obazee that the full terms of his engagement, which is with immediate effect, would be communicated to him in due course, he further directed the newly appointed Special Investigator to report directly to his office while on the job.
“In accordance with the fundamental objective set forth in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), this administration is, today, continuing the fight against corruption by appointing you as a Special Investigator, to investigate the CBN and Related Entities.
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“This appointment shall be with immediate effect and you are to report directly to my office.
“The full terms of your engagement as Special Investigator shall be communicated to you in due course but, require that you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).
“You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment. I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made.
“Find attached, herewith, my directive suspending the Governor of the CBN from office with effect from 9th June 2023,” the letter reads.
