Senate Has Not Ratified The Suspension Of Sanusi As The Governor Of CBN — Saraki

In a recent interview with journalists, All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Kwara state and Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment Senator Bukola Saraki reveals that the senate has not ratified the suspension of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) saying that President Jonathan's decision as unconstitutional.
Excerpts:
Did the president transmit a letter to the senate on the suspension of Lamido Sanusi as CBN’s governor, seeking powers to back his actions as required by the laws?

There was no letter or request to that effect. We must follow these laws and ensure they are adhered to, may be we would have such letter when we are back but sure that would be a bit late.


Are you disturbed that you are being seen as a possible target of the presidency?
Actually, we decide to make a lot of personal sacrifices. I have said it so many times that some of the things I believe in are not personal and I gave example on television last week that when the late Alhaji Umaru Yar adua was the president and inspite of being close to him I fought his government on agricultural loans.


I stood and said this thing must stop, if I believe something is not right I stand against it because I believe it is to help everybody; unfortunately, there are some that when you say something isn’t right they readily label.

You think it is some people that create such an impression, what I know is that I would continue to stand for what I believe is right and stand against what I believe is wrong. Just like I said on the issue of Sanusi it is not personal, President may leave tomorrow, Sanusi could die but the institution remains so it is about the person coming tomorrow and those coming after.

The laws are passed to allow the independence of the CBN. I would always fight for what is right and whatever is attendant with it are personal sacrifices.

Does the Sanusi saga signal anything as regards INEC Chairmanship’s position?
Yes if the president could suspend the CBN governor why not? INEC isn’t immune from such sledge hammer. There are far reaching effects of the action like I stated.

What people don’t understand is that Nigeria of 2014 is different from the past, people are more aware of happenings in the political circle, the level of commitment is different, I always say if you believe the tactics used in 1999 is what you intend using in 2014 you are wrong.

You could see what happened in Edo state no matter the agenda, people guarded their votes you would see what would happen in Ekiti and Osun states people would come out to vote and defend it. Any security agents that come would naturally align with where the people are.

Here in Kwara people would vote and defend it. We have seen what happens in different parts of the world where people stand against oppression and imposition. In the past people weren’t involved but now people are interested you cant take people for granted anymore.

The role of the security agents is to ensure the processes are followed and to ensure people can freely express themselves through their votes. Politicians are supposed to go to the grassroots to canvass for votes and not to rely on some agents that can’t stand against people’s decision.