Yoruba Nation activist, Maxwell Adeleye has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari’s endorsement of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recall of old currency notes..
He said the President and the CBN were making Nigerians suffer because politicians, the presumed target of the policy, already hid money to buy votes during the February 25th election.
The government had earlier confirmed certain people stashed huge funds suspectedly earmarked to influence the 2023 general polls. N22 billion is reportedly hidden in a Government House in the Northwest
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) insist only new N200, N500 and N1000 notes will be recognized as the country’s legal tender; old notes can, however, be deposited at its branches across the country.
On Thursday, President Buhari, in a broadcast addressed citizens following violent protests over the non-availability of cash in many banks and Automated Teller Machines, ATMs.
In his speech, the Nigerian leader explained that the measures taken were in line with the resolve of his government to fight corruption and insecurity and control inflationary trends partly.
Buhari, however, directed that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and allowed to circulate with the new denominations for 60 days – February 10 – April 10.
Adeleye said the President tried very hard to defend the policy, enumerating reasons the actions were taken.
Noting that he supports the CBN policy in principle, the activist said the implementation has been very abysmal, hence the furor from the masses and several stakeholders, including governors.
He said Buhari chose to disregard the apex court order that status quo be maintained pending the determination of the motion on notice in respect of the suit instituted by some state governments.
“President Buhari is now running Nigeria like a State of Nature. The fact is a court order, especially the one granted by the Supreme Court, is meant to be obeyed without any objection.”
Adeleye said the shun of the ruling vindicates “those of us who are currently calling for the dissolution of amalgamation of 1914 of the South and North of Nigeria and total decommissioning of the 1999 constitution”.
The Convener of the Yoruba Professionals Foundation (YPF) said the people cannot fold their arms when poverty, hunger and starvation are the effects of government policies.
“The monies the major political parties and gladiators want to use to buy votes during the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly Elections have been stashed and kept in safe havens.
“I will apologize if there’s no vote buying next weekend. In my opinion, Mr. President is just suffering the common people, not the ruling class,” Adeleye added.
Last week, the International Crisis Group (ICG) warned the Rancour between political parties, scarcity of fuel and new naira notes could mar the forthcoming polls.
