This is just as he supported the move, citing the larger infrastructure capacity in the Lagos office, adding that the move was “eminently sensible.”
The apex bank’s decision to relocate some of its departments from Abuja to Lagos has been met with stuff opposition, particularly from the Northern political elite.
But Sanusi, who was a former Emir of Kano, in a statement, averred that the current challenge lied in employees, many of whom are children of politically exposed individuals, prioritising their Abuja lifestyle and businesses over their roles at the CBN.
He advised the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, against yielding to political pressures surrounding the contentious move, saying once the CBN starts bending to political pressure on one thing, it will continue doing so.
“Northern politicians will shout that this is moving from Abuja to Lagos. Abuja is a federal capital, not a northern issue. So long as this is a principled decision the noise should be ignored.
“When I was about to get my license at Jaiz Bank there was a lot of religious noise from CAN, etc. Even enlightened people like Okey Enelamah were going to sue me in court on religious grounds. I ignored it and licensed the bank. Nothing happened.”
Sanusi said a Christian governor after him licensed at least two more non-interest banks.
“No one is even noticing again. Ethnic and religious bigots will always shout. The CBN should rise above it and just do what needs to be done. It is a very unpopular and difficult job and the Governor needs to be tough,” he added..
According to the ex-CBN governor, he had contemplated a similar move during his tenure but was unable to execute the plan due to time constraints.
“In my mind, what I would have done was to move FSS and most operations to Lagos such that the two Deputy Governors would be largely operating out of Lagos or, even if they were more in Abuja, the bulk of their operational staff would be in Lagos.
“Economic policy, Corporate services, and all the departments reporting to the governor directly such as strategy, audit, risk management, governors’ office, etc., would remain in Abuja.
“It makes eminent strategic sense. And I would have done this if I had stayed.”
He dismissed the opposition against the policy as “absolutely unnecessary” because “The CBN has staff manning its branches and cash offices across the federation.”
Sanusi also dismissed claims about the inadequacy of office structure in handling staff numbers, challenging assertions that the current capacity is insufficient.
He said clarification on the issue could be sought from renowned construction company, Julius Berger.
