Bernice Larryoboh
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari to honour and implement the Supreme Court ruling on the use of the old naira notes, citing that refusal to accept the apex court ruling could result into anarchy across the country.
Murtala Aliyu, the Secretary-General of association made this statement while expressing his view on the socio-economic impact of new naira note paucity on Nigeria citizens.
Aliyu stated that the silence of the Federal Government and the CBN to Court ruling is an affront which imply a disrespect to the rule of law and disregard to the wellbeing of Nigerians as it relates to their freedom to legitimately gain access to naira notes as they so wish.
He also argued that “Whatever the CBN or anyone else says about the benefits of the policy, which evidently are many, is of little comfort as soon as the highest court in the country has deemed that it is, or, at least the manner of its implementation, breaches the law.
“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.
“President Buhari is under oath to defend the constitution of Nigeria. As his long term supporters, it will be remiss of us if we 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.
“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,” Aliyu added.
Similarly, he bemoaned the long queues at bank offices and ATM points across the country warning that if the situation persists, it could trigger “riots and other forms of civil unrest.”
