CONTROVERSIAL governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was the subject of an intense debate in the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly on Wednesday, as lawmakers
argued over the decision of the latter to release public funds to communities affected by the recent attacks by villainous religious extremists.
The debate on the action of the bank led to a rowdy session and a walk-out by some of the lawmakers, as they argued over the limitations of functions and powes of the Bank and whether it includes making such donations.
Mr. Sansusi has in recent times come under immense criticism for the CBN’s donation of N100 million to the victims of Boko Haram’s attack in Kano State, which claimed close to 200 lives. The bank also donated N25million to victims of Madalla/Christmas day bombings which claimed over 40lives.
Senior officials of the bank have responded to the criticisms, stating that the donations fall under the purview of the bank’s corporate social responsibility.
Leading the call for the CBN governor was Honourable Uzo Azubike of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), representing Abia State.
Mr. Azubike, noted that philanthropic gestures and constructions are not responsibilities of the Central Bank, stating that “among the numerous functions bestowed upon the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the Central Bank Act, building of infrastructural projects, provision of emergency relief and engaging philanthropic gestures towards victims of disasters are not inclusive.”
He further noted that “the CBN in recent times has applied public funds by embarking on functions ordinarily outside its mandate with particular reference to the N500milion donation for building of a bridge in the University of Benin, the N100 million donation to victims of Boko Haram’s bomb attack in Kano state and the N25 million donation to victims of Madalla bombings.”
He therefore moved a motion for the governor to be invited to the House to explain where the CBN got the power to engage in such philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
This view was supported by many members of the house after the Speaker put the motion to a voice vote.
Honorable Betty Apiafi (PDP) Rivers state, in joining the debate, argued that the CBN boss should be relieved of his duty, citing that he’s acted out of proportion.
However, some lawmakers kicked against the decision. The session grew rowdy when some other lawmakers, felt they had been prevented from speaking against the motion.
Aminu Sulieman, of the PDP, representing Kano state, noted that the Speaker did give them enough time to defend the motion stating that, “you (the Speaker) gave the proponent of this motion one hour fifteen minutes to speak for the motion. And you ruled out other people who want to speak against”…..”it is not fair Mr. Speaker”, he added emphatically.
This objection divided the House and as other lawmakers watched, others had to be restrained from embarking on a free for all.
At this point the House got rowdy with a lot noise by most members, who were raising their voices despite the chants “point of order” by the Clerk of the House.
When order was eventually restored, the Speaker, Honorable Aminu Tambuwal presented his defence stating that he has ruled that this motion has passed and” I want this matter to be laid to rest” and closed the issue.
Despite the Speaker’s plea for calm, the aggrieved members staged a walk out of the assembly while the Speaker raised the motion for another debate.
The House however resolved to invite the CBN governor to explain where he derives the powers to make monetary donations for infrastructural projects and relief materials.