29th May, 2023
By Nimot Sulaimon
Mixed reactions have trailed the nomination of Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, for the conferment of national honour by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Emefiele, Hadi Sirika, Bisi Akande and 336 others were nominated under the category of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic.
However, some Nigerians have faulted the inclusion of the CBN governor in the list of recipients, saying that he was undeserving of the award.
While some Nigerians are indifferent about the development, hopeful for trouble-free tenure under President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On Twitter, the hashtag “Emefiele” is currently trending in Nigeria with over 5,000 tweets and mentions.
Netizens on the micro-blogging website are questioning the rationale behind his nomination.
Steve Hanke, a professor of economics tweeted, “Today, I measured Nigeria’s black-market premium (BMP) at 66.92%. At such a high BMP, insiders can use the official exchange rate to buy USD cheaply & sell it on the black market for fast profits. At the CB of Nigeria under Godwin Emefiele, INCOMPETENCE IS THE NAME OF THE GAME.”
A user who goes by the handle, @ahmed_oris wrote, “By tomorrow, Emefiele will make history as the first CBN Governor to work under three administrations. Is good to be loyal and have godfathers”
Another tweep, Onochie Anyaoku, wrote, “Imagine National Honours on Emefiele? There is no noble practice that Nigeria cannot Nigerianize?”
@eleyiLagos also wrote, “Emefiele that we will arrest after swearing-in. Asiwaju must collect back that honour. Buhari didn’t use merit to give those honours he has been sharing since January”
Another user @TheYemiKing stated that “Godwin Emefiele has just been rewarded with CFR Award by President Muhammadu Buhari for overseeing the shambolic dehumanisation of Nigerians and destruction of the Nigerian economy, especially with his insipid cash confiscation policy.
A tweep @daemperor007 said, “Emefiele sef collect award. Miracle no dey tire Jesus?”
On her part, Sade wrote, “This Nation Honours List sha. I am sorry no beefing, but it’s a NO (for me). Seeing names like Emefiele’s on it nullifies it for me…though, some on the list are very dear to me. See no need for this hurriedly compiled list.”