Naira redesign: Buhari is being warned by ACF that disobeying the court could lead to anarchy
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued a warning that continued defiance of the supreme court’s ruling regarding the use of old naira notes may result in the dissolution of law and order.
The state governors who brought legal action against the federal government over the policy were supported by ACF Secretary General Murtala Aliyu in a statement.
He claimed that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) current strategy raises questions about the respect for Nigerians’ civil liberties and rights, particularly with regard to their freedom to spend legally earned money as they please.
“Whatever the CBN or anyone else says about the benefits of the policy, which are undoubtedly numerous, is of little consolation once the highest court in the nation has deemed that it is, or, at least, the manner in which it is implemented, in violation of the law,” he argued.
“Ten days is enough time for the government to figure out how to abide by a court order, which is essential to achieving peace, order, and good governance in the nation. President Buhari has sworn to uphold the Nigerian constitution. Since we have been his staunchest supporters for a long time, it would be remiss of us to fail to warn that the much-touted advantages of the redesigned Naira will never outweigh the harm to his reputation as a democrat and a stickler for the rule of law.
“This is quite a part from the real possibility of the crisis morphing into a serious social disorder leading to the possible breakdown of law and order throughout Nigeria. We do not believe nor can we advise him to pay such a heavy price on account of a policy whose immediate goals are not entirely clear to a majority of Nigerians,”
He, however, lamented the huge crowds and long queues formed around bank offices and ATM points across the country “as people struggle to get the new cash which has remained extremely scarce, which has triggered riots and other forms of civil unrest.”
(Daily Trust)
