Naira Scarcity: Disobedience to Supreme Court ruling may cause breakdown of law, order – ACF
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has cautioned against the continuous disobedience of the Supreme Court ruling on the naira redesign policy by the federal government.
The Forum said the continuous disobedience by the Central Bank of Nigeria could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the country.
The Supreme Court in its last judgment extended the use of the old naira notes in the country till December 31.
But the Arewa Consultative Forum, which claimed the ruling is being disobeyed by the CBN said in a statement that the current approach of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raises concerns about the respect for the civil liberties and rights of Nigerians regarding their freedom to use legitimately earned income as they wish.
Murtala Aliyu, the ACF Secretary General, argued that whatever the CBN or anyone else says about the benefits of the policy is of little comfort to Nigerians considering their suffering in assessing funds.
The statement said ”ten days is long enough time for the government to find its way towards complying with a court order which is central to the achievement of peace, order and good governance in the country”.
The Forum reminded that President Muhammadu Buhari is under the oath to defend the constitution of Nigeria, stressing that as his long-term supporters, it would be remiss of Nigerians if they fail to warn that the much-touted benefits of the naira redesign can never justify the damage to his credentials as a democrat and a stickler for the rule of law.
The forum expressed concern that the huge crowds and long queues formed around bank offices and ATM points across the country, pointing out that the people had been struggling to get the new cash which has remained extremely scarce and has triggered riots and other forms of civil unrest.
