Emefiele reportedly plotting to flee to Europe before May 29

There was palpable confusion following a media report that President Muhammadu Buhari had granted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele study leave.

Sahara Reporters had claimed in a report that the ‘study leave’ was to provide an opportunity for Emefiele to flee the country before the May 29 assumption of office by the president-elect, Mr Bola Tinubu.

But the Nation quoting presidency and CBN sources denied any study leave was granted to the apex bank boss.

While responding to queries on the topic, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a short message said: “If the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been granted study leave, supposedly, by President Muhammadu Buhari, this is unknown to us.

“It is also unknown to the President’s Secretariat, headed by the Chief of Staff.”

Meanwhile, a CBN source that was also contacted on the matter issued a similar denial.

Another presidency source said that there was an application from Mr. Emefiele seeking approval for study leave overseas but the source was unsure if the President gave approval.

“I heard the CBN Governor applied to the President for study leave, but I don’t know if the President has granted the application,” the source said.

However, people familiar with the CBN Governor’s work environment said that he had confided in some of his aides that he intends to serve out his second term as the apex bank’s chief.