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6 Nigeria Governors, Police Crack Down On Rejection Of Old Naira Notes
Governments of various states and police commands have initiated a crackdown on traders and supermarkets who are accused of declining the old Nigerian naira notes.
Investigation has revealed that the authorities in states such as Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bayelsa, Zamfara and Kwara have issued directives to their security agencies to take action against anyone who refuses to accept the old N1000, N500, and N200 notes.
This action was taken in response to the confusion caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s failure to provide clear guidance to commercial banks regarding the extension of the February 10 deadline for exchanging the old currency, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that prevented the Federal Government from enforcing the previously established time limit set by the central bank.
On Sunday, the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, instructed the acting Chairman of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council, Dr. Baffa Dan’agundi, to close down Wellcare supermarket for rejecting the old naira notes in contravention of the state government’s directive that the currency is still considered legal tender.
The Chairman of the Council announced the closure of the supermarket after taking the necessary steps and added that legal action will also be taken against the owners of the supermarket, Wellcare Alliance Limited.
He cautioned other businesses in Kano that the state government has not banned the usage of old naira notes.
Dr. Baffa Dan’agundi warned that any shopkeeper caught rejecting the old notes will face decisive action as per the law.
In the meantime, the management of Wellcare Alliance Limited has issued an apology letter to Governor Ganduje, requesting his prompt intervention to reopen the supermarket. The letter was titled “A plea for immediate intervention to reopen Wellcare Alliance Limited and an apology letter.”
Similarly, the government of Katsina State has issued a warning to banks and traders in the state not to reject the old naira notes until the Supreme Court delivers a final ruling on the matter.
The warning was issued in a statement on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs, Abdulkarim Sirika.
The statement from the government stated that they were aware of reports that banks and traders in the state were rejecting the old notes from citizens, causing significant difficulties for the people.
The statement read: ‘’It has come to the notice of the state government under the able leadership of the Governor of Katsina State, Rtd Hon. Aminu Bello Masari that banks and marketers are no longer accepting the old naira notes.
“In view of this, His Excellency, the governor has directed that marketers and banks should continue accepting the old naira notes from now to the 15th February 2023 pending the final verdict of the Supreme Court on the matter.”
In Sokoto, the state police command has declared its commitment to taking action against anyone who refuses to accept the old notes. The Public Relations Officer of the command, Sanusi Abubakar, stated that although they have not received any official complaints, they are encouraging residents to report any incidents of old note rejection to law enforcement agencies in the state.
Abubakar said, ‘’I’m sure you know we can only react if there is a complaint against anyone rejecting the notes but so far, we have not gotten any report of such in the state. I can assure you that we are on top of the situation and we will do the needful if such a report is made.’’
The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, also spoke on the matter, saying that the police have received a directive to arrest anyone who sells or buys naira notes in the state.
In response to an inquiry from newsmen, Okasanmi stated, “There is a government directive to arrest anyone who messes up the naira notes, buy or sell the notes, but we have not been able to catch anyone in Kwara state. I want to advise people to abide by the government directive on both old and new naira notes so that they would not run foul of the law.’’
To alleviate the difficulties faced by residents, the state government revealed that it has arranged palliatives to help mitigate the effects of both the fuel scarcity and currency scarcity in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, further explained in a statement on Sunday that the palliatives would involve cash transfers to widows, pensioners, transporters, marketers, smallholder farmers, and other vulnerable individuals.
He noted that the program would be managed by the Kwara State Social Investment Program to ensure proper coordination and accountability.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State Command, Ben Okolo, has directed Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and other law enforcement personnel to closely monitor banks and ATM locations to prevent any disturbance of peace.
The command acknowledges the difficulties faced by the general public and is hopeful that the new measures introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria will lead to an improvement in the currency circulation in the near future.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State Command also stated that the command has not received a directive to arrest individuals who reject the old naira notes.
He added that the command is appealing to members of the public to remain calm and continue with their lawful businesses as the command is committed to ensuring public safety and security.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State Command advised residents to continue accepting the old naira notes as it remains a legal tender. He added that the state police command is there to guarantee public safety and security.
The committee chairman, Alhaji Bello Bakyasuwa, who monitored the filling stations and other business centers in Gusau, the capital city, said that the old currency remained a legal tender in the state as directed by Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state.
He vowed to arrest anyone who did not comply with the governor’s directive.
“My committee will instantly arrest any person who refuses to accept the old naira notes. My governor has given a directive for the arrest of those who do not accept the old naira notes as legal tender,’’ he declared.
The New African magazine has announced its highly anticipated list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, recognizing exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to politics, business, science, sports, and civil society.
The annual compilation celebrates achievements by Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, reflecting the diversity and ingenuity of African talent.
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In a statement, Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine, emphasized the importance of the list in today’s divided global climate.
She said, “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.
“The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad.
“Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.”
Spotlighting African Excellence Across Fields
Politics and Public Service
1. Bassirou Diomaye Faye
2. Kemi Badenoch
3. Muhammad Ali Pate
4. Claver Gatete
5. Ali Mohamed
6. King Mohamed VI
7. Ronald Lamola
8. Yemi Osinbajo
9. Nardos Bekele-Thomas
10. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee
Science and Academia
43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative Arts
66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani
Sports
90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan
Prominent activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has alleged that over N180 million was stolen from the account of his NGO, the Martins Vincent Osei Initiative, following a cyberattack.
Otse, who launched the initiative in October, initially raised over N35 million within hours of its debut.
The campaign gained further momentum when celebrated music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, contributed N100 million.
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In a video shared on Instagram on Friday, Otse disclosed that the NGO’s funds were diverted into an unknown account.
He said, “Honestly, I’ve not been myself for the past few days. Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and N180 million is missing. Thankfully, we’ve tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested.”
Otse revealed that the NGO’s bank account has been placed on Post No Debit (PND) status to prevent further withdrawals.
According to him, while N20 million remains in the account, N160 million was siphoned. He added that steps are being taken to recover the money.
“We’re heading to Jos to recover the money,” he stated.
As a precaution, Otse confirmed that the NGO’s app has been temporarily shut down for maintenance and enhanced security measures.
He assured supporters of regular updates on the situation.
The Martins Vincent Osei Initiative was created to support vulnerable populations and address societal issues.
Embattled Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation, Tobi Adegboyega, has defended his opulent lifestyle, claiming it serves to inspire young people rather than flaunt wealth.
This statement comes amid a UK Immigration Upper Tribunal ruling ordering his deportation over visa violations.
Adegboyega, 44, faced accusations of overstaying his visitor visa, which expired after he arrived in the UK in 2005.
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He had applied to remain in the country on human rights grounds. The tribunal, however, ruled against him, citing his failure to regularize his status.
The pastor’s luxurious lifestyle, including designer clothing and expensive cars, was a focal point of the case.
Addressing the tribunal, Adegboyega stated that his lifestyle is fully funded by his wife, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 annually at AON.
He said, “I live with my partner, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 per year working for AON. I spend my time working for the church, for which I am unpaid. I am entirely supported by Mary. I have a first-class law degree from Nigeria, but I have ‘sacrificed’ my legal career to help those who cannot help themselves.”
Defending his appearance, Adegboyega emphasized the importance of projecting success to his young congregation.
The court noted, “For instance, people have pointed to the fact that he wears designer clothing and drives expensive cars. He was adamant that all of his personal possessions had been paid for by Mary.
“He believes it is important for him to dress the way that he does because he needs to inspire these young people – they need to understand that there are legitimate ways of making money, for instance through entrepreneurship.”
Despite the ruling, Adegboyega dismissed the deportation concerns as insignificant.
“I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. Naturally, I will dismiss things that have to do with retrogression; every Nigerian should be proud of me. Living in the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I have survived all sorts, so the matter that they are propagating is the smallest matter,” he said.
He further expressed confidence in his resilience. “No panic, I love London city, it is my city, and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here – pastors and leaders – I have survived everything. I’m here, I am at home, nobody should panic for me.
“I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges, and I’m in the league of people you look up to. I have survived that well; nothing has changed, nothing will change,” he added.
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