President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the arrest of those frustrating the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in ensuring a smooth implementation of the new policy on currency redesign.
The president gave the directive during a nationwide broadcast on the CBN currency swap policy and State of the Nation on Thursday in Abuja.
The president directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies to fish out those engaging in the act and ensure that they are sanctioned according to law.
”I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy.”I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.
”To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.
”I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.
”The president maintained that this policy was made in the interest of Nigerians.He assured that the government will make sure that the new notes are readily available to Nigerians across the country.
”Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.
”Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened.
”In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.
”I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.
