Ahmed Ja’Usman Tijani

We are forced to issue this rejoinder, despite the fact that, ideally, the vituperations are undeserving of the consideration of any serious-minded person.

We are also compelled to come up with this response knowing that the subject of this slanderous essay, Godwin Emefiele, being a very humble, dedicated and self effacing public servant may not be in a position to rebut these lies.

After reading through the press release by the PDP Publicity Secretary, we are forced to assert that these are the products of a mischievous and over-excited imagination.

We are shocked by the deliberate distortion of facts and indeed by the ignoble attempt to deceive the public, through the countless repetition of empty allegations.

Our interest in this matter is based on the fact that we are a prominent campaigner for Emefiele to be part of the presidential contest come 2023. We owe no one any apology for this, and we will continue to affirm that Emefiele is the type of leader that this nation needs now.

We are, indeed, surprised that a National Publicity Secretary of PDP will at this time believe that running down Emefiele is the best way to re-energise their ineffective opposition politics of the past 7 years.

We are convinced that the publicity secretary may be serving the interests of some puppeteers, who may not necessarily be members of the PDP, who feel threatened by the ever-rising profile of the CBN Governor.

The baselessness of these allegations is underlined by the fact that at no time has Emefiele declared himself to be a presidential candidate of the APC. To further expose this hatchet job for what it is, there is no single poster of Emefiele with the insignia of APC on it.

2023 Presidency: My fate in the hands of God – Emefiele

In order to emphasise the ridiculousness of Ologunagba’s assertions, the poster he presented in his press release to support his allegation bears no APC symbol or logo on it. This is the efforts of a man who is ready to concoct all sorts of lies in order to achieve his preconceived objectives. Perhaps, he was emboldened by the assumption that Nigerians will not take the time to verify his empty allegations.

The fact remains that Godwin Ifeanyichukwu Emefiele never appeared in any APC poster till date.

We dare say, that if any such poster appears overnight starting from now, it will be the handiwork of Mr. Ologunagba and his cohorts, who knowing that they have been exposed, may resort to producing such materials in order to cover their shame.

The very unfounded basis of his major allegations against Emefiele has also put the lie to all other accusations in his press release.

Emefiele in his position as CBN governor, to all objective observers, have performed his duties with a great sense of patriotism, dedication and none partisanship. Indeed, the benefits of the CBN’s economic interventions and policies cut across political or geographical boundaries.

This is the main reason why his efforts have been acclaimed across the country; and this is why we and a generality of citizens believe that he is the most suitable candidate for the post of president come 2023.

All the other financial allegations spewed out in the press release are indeed laughable and are products of a man who does not understand the structure and operations of the CBN.

We believe that the time has come when some of these fabricators of lies and mischief should be brought, as individuals before the law, in order to substantiate their reckless allegations or suffer the consequences of these brazen attempts to soil the reputation of an innocent man.

The Nigerian Patriotic Quest remain undaunted in our support of the candidacy of Emefiele in the 2023 elections and we strongly reiterate our position that Godwin Ifeanyichukwu Emefiele should answer this call of destiny at this time for the betterment of both the present and future generations of Nigeria.

The antics of the naysayers will never deter us, rather it increases our determination to accomplish this patriotic duty.

Those who are afraid of the candidacy of Emefiele because of the positives and possibilities that it holds for Nigeria should know that the end has come for their politics of divisiveness and plunder.

A word is enough for the wise.

*Tijani is Co-ordinator, Nigerian Patriotic Quest. This rejoinder by Nigerian Pariotic Quest to the press release issued by Debo Ologunagba, PDP Publicity Secretary, as published in the newspapers of March 26, 2022.

The Star