Coalition faults Obaseki, says N60bn allegation a falsehood

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CCSG) has faulted Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki over his current alleged statement that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) printed N60 Billion to augment the March 2021 FAAC allocation.

The coalition lamented that a Governor in position of Obaseki should know better how impossible that would be at a time like this.

The Group stated this during a World Press conference on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT secretariat.

Addressed by its President, Bassey Etuk Williams, he said the country don’t need the politics of distraction being played with the CBN at a time when the economy is seriously in need to concerted efforts.

“We don’t need such distractions at this time when the country is facing much insecurity and hunger in the country. We need patriotic interventions and we equally expect progressive contributions towards developing and governing the Nigerian polity.

“We have watched with keen interest overtime, and we won’t be doing justice to the entire nation if we don’t make an effort to disabuse the minds of our citizens of the falsehood being peddled around by some individuals for political gains and to distract the government. It is unfortunate and we condemn the political dimension the issue is taking.

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“The issues raised by Gov. Obaseki and others; alleging that N60 billion was printed by CBN and the Federal Government to augment for the March, 2021 FAAC allocation, is orchestrated by enemies of Government just to whittle down the confidence Nigerians have in the government and her effort to invigorate the economy.

“After our due consultations and enquiries, our Group discovered that the allegation was just falsehood capable of distorting progress recorded and as a campaign to smear the effort of a performing Governor of the CBN. Reports made available to us reveal that going by the money FAAC shares, the funds are monies generated and domiciled in the federation account, and are usually shared to the states every month.

“There was no evidence that the March allocation was borrowed which contradicts the claims of those saying March allocation money was printed,

“We condemn the falsehood and the controversy been generated; this is not what we need at a time like now.We salute the courage of the CBN Governor for rising to the occasion and quickly correcting the wrong notion been expressed by nay sayers,” he said

Bassey therefore urged Nigeria to ignore the allegation, saying we hope this matter has been put to rest by that singular sincere and patriotic disposition and effort of the CBN Governor and we implore the state governors to pay back.”

Among other members present at the press briefing include the Group’s Secretary, Abubakar Ibrahim.