As the currency crisis bites harder, with Nigerians now rejecting old Naira notes following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) February 10 deadline, Zamfara state governor, Bello Muhammad, has ordered the arrest of anyone in the state who rejects the old N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations.
The governor issued the order at the swearing-in ceremony of new High Court Judges, and newly appointed Special Advisers held in Gusau on Friday.
According to him, the old currency notes were still legal tender until the final determination of the case instituted against the CBN and the federal government by three Northern Governors of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara States at the Supreme Court.
Governor Muhammad explained that, he and his counterparts of Kogi and Kaduna states sought the Supreme Court to order the extension and validity of the old N200, N500 and N1,000 naira notes.
“As you are all aware, the economy of the country as a whole has been plunged into a serious crisis by the decision of the Central Bank to cease recognition of the old naira notes as legal tender from February 10th.
“This decision compounded the already dire situation of our State occasioned by banditry and sundry crimes, which significantly disrupted economic activities in the State and the subregion over the years.
“It was in consideration of the grave consequences of this disruptive policy which was not well thought out, that I took the decision to team up with the sister states of Kaduna and Kogi to seek the intervention of the Supreme Court to ensure that both the new and old naira notes remain as legal tender beyond February 10th.
“Gladly, the Supreme Court has given an interim injunction barring the CBN from enforcement of its plan of derecognizing the old notes as legal tender from today, pending its final ruling on the matter on February 15th,” he said.
The governor also commended the Supreme Court for doing the needful, which he said will alleviate the suffering of the masses.
“This courageous decision by the Supreme Court has no doubt saved the country from sliding into a crisis of great proportion that may affect the peace and stability of the country and possibly prevent the holding of the general elections billed for this month.
“I have joined in this salvaging mission, notwithstanding my proximity and good rapport with His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“For me, governance is all about the protection of the well-being of the people. This is what informed my relentless efforts to ensure peace and stability in the State and turn around the State’s economy for the general good of our people,” he maintained.
Muhammad expressed happiness that the old currency is now valid and people can still use and transact businesses with it.
“Alhamdullilah, old naira notes will remain legal tender, and the people can continue with their legitimate businesses and earn their livelihoods without fear or concern,” Matawalle joyously expressed.
The occasion was attended by the state Deputy Governor, Senator Hassan Muhammad Nasiha Jarman Gusau; the Secretary to the State Government, Kabiru Balarabe Sardauna; the Deputy Speaker of Zamfara state House of Assembly, Musa Bawa Musa; the Grand Khadi, Dahiru Muhammad Gusau; Commissioners and other top government functionaries.
The Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office was administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu.
