Former President Goodluck Jonathan denied claims by former CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi about a missing $49.8 billion. At a book launch, Jonathan emphasized that Sanusi was suspended due to financial misconduct, not for whistleblowing, and criticized the inconsistencies in the allegations regarding the funds.
At a book launch in Abuja, former President Goodluck Jonathan addressed allegations surrounding the suspension of former Central Bank Governor, Dr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now the Emir of Kano. Sanusi claimed he was dismissed for exposing a $49.8 billion disappearance from government accounts, an assertion Jonathan strongly disputed.
Jonathan clarified that no such funds went missing, asserting that the Central Bank's leadership fabricated the claim. He emphasized that Sanusi was not sacked but suspended due to serious financial infractions flagged by the Financial Reporting Council. The former president maintained that the narrative surrounding the missing money was flawed, pointing out that the figures shifted from $49 billion to $20 billion, and then to $12 billion, suggesting inconsistencies in Sanusi’s account.
Jonathan highlighted that Nigeria’s budget at the time was around $31.6 billion, raising doubts about the feasibility of such a significant amount being lost without detection. He recounted a conversation with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who expressed skepticism about the disappearance of such a sum from a struggling nation.
In response, Sanusi stood by his claims, stating he felt he was “constructively dismissed” for his whistleblowing. He called for greater support for initiatives like the Dangote Refinery, lamenting that vested interests were hindering progress. The event also marked the launch of the Shamsuddeen Usman Foundation, aimed at promoting education and artificial intelligence in Nigeria.
