Renowned Nigerian scholar and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has publicly denounced the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for the contentious naira swap policy which led to a widespread shortage of banknotes across the nation.

He disclosed this during the Monday broadcast of Channels Television’s Roadmap 2023.

He said “Emefiele has committed a crime against humanity, over and beyond even any electoral mago mago (foul play),” Soyinka said.

“He struck at the heart of the subsisting survival principles, minimal needs and entitlements of the ordinary people in the street.”

In his remarks on the need for leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people, Wole Soyinka emphasized that his own advocacy has always been driven by a desire to engage with Nigerians in a context of civic dignity.

The celebrated playwright went on to criticize President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, to implement a policy that has caused immense suffering for Nigerians.

He said “Don’t bully me. Don’t take my voice away. Don’t take my economic potential away, my economical entitlements. Don’t throw me on the mercy of sadists like Emefiele.

“He and his boss, Buhari, because ultimately responsibility rests with him [Buhari] to have allowed this to happen. But he [Emefiele] is the expert. He’s the one who gives the advice, he’s the one who executes the policies.” he added.

Soyinka accused the CBN governor for reducing the country to a state of despondency.

Recounting his own experience, the activist said, “Even a few days ago, when I sent a text to the bank and a cheque came back, they had no cash.

“One of the bankers eventually brought me something from his own stash and explained to me what had been going on, how they would sit and wait for money to come.

“You can’t buy a newspaper. You can’t buy guguru (popcorn) and epa (grounduts), which means that you cannot pay for the plantain; which means that the farmer cannot even pay for transportation of the goods from his farm to the [markets].” he added.

Recall that, In October 2022, Godwin Emefiele, unveiled new designs for the N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes, and announced that the old notes would be phased out by January 31, 2023.

The policy was aimed at curbing vote-buying during the just concluded general elections in the Country.

However, the Supreme Court later ruled that the old currency should remain legal tender until December 31, 2023, causing confusion and inconvenience for Nigerians who had already deposited their old note in the bank.