By Kenneth Atavti
The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor Godwin Emefiele continued on Thursday, at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Maitama, with a fifth prosecution witness, Kingsley Obiora, former CBN Deputy Governor in charge of policy, disclosing that the new naira notes printed and released into circulation under Emefiele’s leadership did not match the President’s approval.
Testifying before Justice Maryann Anenih via zoom, Obiora pointed out that, “the approval by the President was different from what was eventually produced.” He stated this after being shown evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, noting that he recognized the discrepancy when he compared the President’s original approval with the currency that was put into circulation.
Obiora, who worked at the CBN for over seven years, clarified his involvement in the CBN’s Committee of Governors COG, a body he described as comprising “the governor, four deputy governors, and the director of corporate services.” He further explained, “The governor is the Chairman of the Committee, and during my tenure as Deputy Governor, Emefiele was our Chairman.” According to Obiora, the Committee met weekly on Wednesdays to deliberate on critical policy matters and updates within the bank.
