Tinubu Suspends EFCC Chairman Bawa Over Naira Redesign, Alleged Loyalty to Buhari’s Cabal

More facts have emerged on why the embattled Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, was suspended by President Bola Tinubu.

The President on Wednesday approved the suspension of the embattled EFCC Chairman “proper investigation into his conduct while in office.”

Meanwhile, our correspondent has learnt one of the key reasons the anti-graft boss was his role in the controversial naira redesigning policy introduced in the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu had during the campaign for the presidential election alleged that the policy was targeted at him to make him lose the election.

Suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Godwin Emefiele was roundly criticized for the policy which was seen as currency confiscation that led to loss of lives and properties.

Bawa had said many politicians had amassed billions of naira outside the banking sector. He said following the naira redesign policy, some governors had made moves to pay salaries in cash to dispose of the old naira notes.

His attempt to chase after politicians who stacked money for the election was said to have angered many powerful people and sources said it was unsurprising the anti-graft agency got the chop.

“I am not surprised Bawa has been fired because it is almost certain he would go because he stepped on many toes including that of the President.
Tinubu knew Bawa was one of those who wrongly advised the President on the naira redesigning to give an advantage to the opposition and ruin his chances. I can tell you that Tinubu is going after all of them,” he said.

Another source added that Tinubu is carefully clearing out offshoots of the cabal under Buhari.

“The cabal wanted a Northerner to succeed Buhari and they worked assiduously against Tinubu’s candidacy. The President is extremely uncomfortable working with them. More heads will roll in the coming days and don’t be surprised if some of these former ministers are being picked up.

“This thing is not about being vindictive; the President wants loyal people in critical sectors and at the same time make some people account for their misdeeds,” he added.

Bawa had been in the eye of the storm for some time now; he was recently accused of demanding a bribe of 2 million dollars from the former Governor of Zamfara Bello Matawalle.

Some civil society organizations also accused him of disobeying court orders.