Sanusi reacts to his suspension, says he will challenge it in court

In an interview with CNBC Africa this morning,
Sansui Lamido Sanusi, who currently in Niger
Republic attending an official ECOWAS event, says
he will challenge his suspension.
Sanusi tells CNBC Africa
"I have been told by my office that a letter
was received. As you know, I flew in this
morning to Niamey along with other
Governors of West African Central Banks to
meet with the President of Niger and
President of Ghana. Fortunately, I came in
with my VP Sarah Alade whom I have been
asked to hand over to. I have left the
meeting to hand over to her. I have just met
the Nigerian Ambassador to Niger who
confirmed to me that the President asked
him to inform me of the decision.
About financial misconduct and recklessness he's
being accused of...
"I don’t know what they are talking about.
When I come back, I will see what those
allegations are. I don’t think there is any
issue raised that has not been raised
before. We all know what this is about. This
is about consequences for decisions I have
taken. This is something that is long
overdue. I am surprised it took them so
long.
When asked whether his suspension is politically
motivated, he said
I think the answer to that is obvious. There
is a legal question of whether the president
has the authority to suspend the Governor
and whether suspension is not removal. It
will be helpful to establish the principles by
court.
Even if I challenge it, I will not go back to
the job. Even if I challenge it successfully, I
will not go back to it. I think it will be in the
interest of the institution for the courts to
establish once and for all if the president
has the powers to do this. If it is not
challenged, the next Central Bank Governor
cannot be independent with fear of being
suspended by a politician. I do plan to have
the courts confirm if indeed that authority
exists and I will challenge it.