‘Tinubu never asked Cardoso to resign,’ Presidency debunks rumors

The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu has asked Yemi Cardoso to resign as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The clarification was issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who refuted the claims circulating in the media.

Onanuga took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, branding the report as false. “It’s all lies. President Tinubu has not asked Yemi Cardoso to resign,” he wrote, categorically debunking the resignation rumors.

The unverified report had alleged that President Tinubu directed Cardoso to step down prior to his departure for China, despite reported interventions from influential Yoruba leaders advocating for Cardoso’s retention.

Cardoso has recently come under scrutiny due to his perceived inability to address Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, particularly in stabilizing the naira.

The economist and seasoned policy advisor was nominated by President Tinubu on September 15, 2023, and officially assumed office on September 22, 2023.

Prior to taking over as CBN Governor, Cardoso and his deputies were confirmed by the National Assembly, succeeding Folashodun Shonubi, who served in an acting capacity.