Let’s face the truth; we tend to forget that figures like Emefiele never had the privileges we enjoyed.
In Europe and America, exceptionally talented individuals often remain in their countries, assuming crucial government roles.
However, in Africa, particularly Nigeria, the most accomplished, educated in some of the world’s finest universities in America and Europe, couldn’t fathom returning to government service.
Consequently, critical government positions are filled by those available, often leading to less qualified individuals like Emefiele overseeing crucial affairs such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
It’s unrealistic to expect different behavior from someone like Emefiele, whose life experiences have been marked by challenging environments. Blaming him is akin to blaming someone with a mental illness for their actions.
We must recognize our own responsibility. Imagine growing up in poverty, witnessing it every day, and attending a university like Nsukka where even basic necessities were a struggle.
Suddenly, being entrusted with the country’s currency production and circulation. If we had faced these circumstances, could we have behaved differently? Let’s be honest with ourselves.
Having lived through Emefiele’s experiences, including the hardships at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, it would have been difficult for us to behave differently. Some of us might have even behaved worse.