Good times are often accompanied by bad times, forming a cycle of turbulence and tranquility. At this time, the life and times of former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have crossed into the turbulent. But against these raging tides, where are his allies? Where is his godfather, Jim Ovia?
There is no debating the exalted place that Ovia occupies in the hearts of Nigerian bankers. The man, after establishing Zenith Bank, has gone on to be the legend of banking and finance. He has not only helped set up the aristocracies of the banking sector, but has also designed methods through which these dignitaries can remain on top.
Emefiele, undoubtedly one of the many who benefitted from Ovia’s tutelage, has fallen. Encumbered by many sorrows and allegations, Emefiele’s star, once brilliant against the background of myriad dim companions, is nowhere in sight.
Left without godfather and good name, Emefiele can only take comfort in his giant-print KJV Bible.
In this matter of godfather and godson, many interpretations have emerged. One group holds that Ovia’s disappearance from the scene once Emefiele fell is a good thing for the former, indicating his integrity and clean hands. After all, one could make contact but remain uncontaminated.
This is the argument for Ovia’s integrity. But there is another group accusing Ovia of having abandoned his godson. Before Emefiele’s fall, the former CBN governor hailed Ovia time and again for being the quintessential banker. Ovia, in return, stated that Emefiele is the best CBN governor ever. Where did these flowery words go?
Between these two groups, the bitter reality is before all. Emefiele must bear his cross alone, without the strong arm of his godfather to see him through. Maybe in the years to come, someone with more information will explain why Ovia seems to have abandoned his godson.