By Halimah Olamide
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday disclosed that the investigators he mandated to investigate the alleged rots at the nation’s apex bank the Central Bank of Nigeria is almost done with their assignment and will soon submit their reports.
The president disclosed this during his Independence day anniversary speech.
NPO Reports that the president in July, appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Jim Obazee, as the special investigator.
The President asked the Special Investigator to investigate CBN and key Government Business Entities, adding that the investigator would report directly to the President’s office.
The letter read, “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. This appointment shall be with immediate effect and you are to report directly to my office.”
In his speech on Monday, the President reminded Nigerians of his promise to carry out what he called “a thorough housecleaning of the den of malfeasance the CBN had become.”
Speaking, he said, “That housecleaning is well underway. A new leadership for the Central Bank has been constituted. Also, my special investigator will soon present his findings on past lapses and how to prevent similar reoccurrences. Henceforth, monetary policy shall be for the benefit of all and not the exclusive province of the powerful and wealthy.”
The president also spoke on a new tax policy in the country saying, a “wise tax policy is essential to economic fairness and development.”
He said, “I have inaugurated a Committee on Tax Reforms to improve the efficiency of tax administration in the country and address fiscal policies that are unfair or hinder the business environment and slow our growth.”
The president added that his administration providing investment funding for enterprises with great potential.
“ Commencing this month, the social safety net is being extended through the expansion of cash transfer programs to an additional 15 million vulnerable households.”
On the security of the country, the president said his administration shall always accord the highest priority to the safety of the people.
“Inter-Service collaboration and intelligence sharing have been enhanced. Our Service Chiefs have been tasked with the vital responsibility of rebuilding the capacities of our security services.”
He saluted what he called the gallant security forces for keeping Nigeria safe “and securing our territorial integrity.” He said, “Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them today and their families. We shall equip our forces with the ways and means needed to perform their urgent task on behalf of the people,”