South-East leaders in the diaspora have accused Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, of carrying out what they described as an “ethnic cleansing” of Igbo professionals from the apex financial institution.
In a strongly worded petition obtained by Sahara Reporters, prominent voices from the United States, UK, Germany, South Africa, and Canada decried what they called a deliberate and unprecedented sidelining of South Easterners since Cardoso assumed office.
The petition referenced a report by journalist Rufai Oseni, which exposed systemic ethnic bias in the recent CBN directorship appointments.
According to the document, the Governor has removed all South-East directors without disciplinary hearings or formal board approvals. Among those dismissed were Chibuzor Efobi, Dr. Scholastica Ozoemena Nnaji, Chibuike Nwaegerue, and Nkiru Asiegbu.
Beyond these, over 20 deputy directors and 15 assistant directors, many of them foreign-trained, were also sacked. The group named Dr. Valentine Ururuka, Dr. Odim Orji, Angela Ofili, and Christian Eze among the victims.
The leaders claim that the dismissals have triggered lawsuits and put financial strain on the CBN, damaging its credibility.
They also alleged that the new wave of appointments heavily favored the South-West, sidelining better-qualified candidates from the South-East. For instance, Rita Ijeoma Sike, who reportedly scored higher than her counterpart Adetona Sikiru Adedeji for Director of Banking Supervision, was reassigned, while Adedeji was appointed.
In another case, Chikelu Edison Oballum was passed over for the Development Finance role he interviewed for. Instead, Monsurat Vincent was appointed Director of Strategy—a post she didn’t apply for.
Similarly, Paul Ihuoma Oluikpe and Promise Joe-Ibekwe were denied leadership roles despite excelling in their assessments.
The petition notes that out of 29 new directorships, 13 went to Yoruba candidates, with only one South Easterner selected. They argue that even former governor Godwin Emefiele, despite his controversies, maintained regional balance.
The leaders urged the National Assembly to investigate and overturn what they called “institutionalised injustice.” They also called for reforms in the CBN’s governance structure, particularly separating the roles of Governor and Board Chairman to prevent abuse of power.
In their closing remarks, the petitioners stated:
“The South-East has paid its dues. We will not tolerate systemic exclusion. 2027 will be a reckoning for any institution or administration that marginalises us.”
The petition is signed by over 20 notable diaspora figures, including Elder Chibuzor Nsofor (Germany), Aloysius Egwu (USA), Prince Ulu Aguchekwa (UK), Amara Duru (Finland), and Professor Chike Ubani (USA).
