Gov. Yahaya Bello Calls For Arrest Of Persons, Businesses Rejecting Old Naira Notes

Posted by Nwa Diokpa Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria Friday, March 10th, 2023

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Kogi State Government has called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals and businesses that refuse to accept the old naira notes.

The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, made this known in a statement saying that the Yahaya Bello administration joined other states to pursue the case in court in order to ease the pains caused by the unavailability of cash.

The African Examiner recalls that the Supreme Court last week directed that both the old and new naira notes remain legal tender until December 31, 2023. However, many Nigerians and businesses still refuse to accept the old notes as legal tenders.

Reacting, Fanwo stated that it was unacceptable that some persons and businesses continue to reject the old notes after the court endorsed their usage.

“Rejecting the old naira notes is a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court ruling,” the commissioner said.

“Anyone who rejects the old naira notes should be reported to security and government authorities for immediate action. Also, banks that refuse to accept old naira deposits shall be sealed.”

Fanwo cautioned that the government will not allow financial institutions “that willfully disobey court orders, moreso, the orders of the highest court in Nigeria”.

“Since the banks are issuing the old naira notes, they are bound to also receive it. We cannot continue to kill our economy after the Supreme Court has granted us freedom.”