The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Muhammadu Sanusi, has expressed his support for the CBN’s decision to relocate some of its departments from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to Lagos State.
Sanusi described oppositions from Northern groups over the planned relocation as mere “noise.”
Sanusi noted that the move is not a Northern problem but rather a philosophical decision that must be upheld by the appropriate authorities.
He encouraged CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso to stress empathy and respect for individual situations, focusing on mothers with children and those suffering from medical concerns.
Sanusi noted, “Individual situations should be considered. As much as possible, we should be empathetic. For example, young mothers with kids in school who do not need to move can be prioritized to stay in Abuja, or those with medical conditions, etc.”
Sanusi instructed Governor Cardoso to persist with the relocation scheme, cautioning him not to give in to political pressure. He contended that succumbing to such pressure could set a precedent for future meddling in CBN decisions.
“When I was about to license Jaiz Bank, there was a lot of religious noise from CAN, etc. Even enlightened people like Okey Emelamah were going to sue me in court on religious grounds.
”I ignored it and licensed the bank. Nothing happened,” Sanusi recalled, highlighting the importance of standing firm on principled decisions.”
He also noted that similar religious objections arose when his successor, a Christian governor, licensed at least two more non-interest banks without much controversy.
