President Bola Tinubu has appointed Jim Obazee, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, as a Special Investigator.
His mandate is to conduct an in-depth investigation into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and related entities.
The appointment, as stated in a letter dated July 28, 2023, takes immediate effect, and Jim Obazee will directly report to the President’s office.
President Tinubu emphasized that the Special Investigator will also work on a comprehensive report concerning public wealth held by corrupt individuals and establishments.
The letter from President Tinubu reads, “In accordance with the fundamental objective set forth in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), this administration is, today, continuing the fight against corruption by appointing you as a Special Investigator, to investigate the CBN and Related Entities. This appointment shall be with immediate effect and you are to report directly to my office.
“The full terms of your engagement as Special Investigator shall be communicated to you in due course but, require that you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).
“You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment. I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made.
“Find attached, herewith, my directive suspending the Governor of the CBN from office with effect from 9th June 2023.”