Senate Confirms Aisha Ahmad, Four Other CBN Nominees

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Aisha Ahmad and four other nominees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Ahmad and Edward Lametek were confirmed as deputy governors, while Adeola Adenikinju, Aliyu Sanusi and Robert Asogwa as members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

The confirmation followed the adoption of the reports by the Senate Committee ‎on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, led by Rafiu Ibrahim, screened the nominees on Monday.

The upper legislative chamber however rejected Asheikh Maidudgu.

“At this point, let me congratulate the two nominees, particularly Mr. Edward Lamatek Adamu whose upliftment to a Deputy Governor will be a great encouragement to the staff of the CBN who will see one of their own in this position. I am sure it will boost the morale within the institution,” Senate President Bukola Saraki said shortly the confirmation.

“Let me also commend and congratulate Mrs. Aishah Ahmad for her nomination to this very competitive role. The two new Deputy Governors of the CBN are coming at a time when the economy is a major issue. We have just come out of a recession and we need to continue with our economic growth and see the sustainability of the foreign exchange and other related challenges.

“We hope that the two new Deputy Governors will work with the Governor (Dr. Godwin Emefiele) to move the country and our economy in the right direction. We hope also, that you all will continue to work closely with the National Assembly to update us on the progress that is achieved by the CBN.”

On his part, the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, however, urged Buhari to nominate a replacement for the rejected nominee.

The Senate had initially refused to confirm the nominees, as part of their resolve not to confirm nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari until the federal government fires Ibrahim Magu, as Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

The decision stalled the MPC meeting of the CBN in January and March.

But about two weeks ago, the lawmakers agreed to confirm the CBN nominees after Rafiu Ibrahim, raised a point of order saying the non-confirmation was negatively affecting the economy, especially foreign investments.

Following the development, CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, fixed the first MPC meeting of 2018 for April 3.