Matawalle orders arrest of those rejecting old naira notes

Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle has directed that anyone who refuses to accept the old currency notes of two hundred, five and One Thousand naira in the state should be arrested.

He said the new currency notes remain legal tender until the final verdict of the case instituted against the Central Bank of Nigeria by three northern Governors of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara States at the supreme court

Governor Bello Matawalle stated this at an event held at the Government House chamber II in Gusau, the state Capital

Mr. Matawalle adds that, he and his counterparts of Kogi and Kaduna states had over the week ask the supreme court to order the extension and validity of the old 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes beyond the initial date of February

“As you all are aware, the economy of the country as a whole has been plunged into a serious crisis by the decision of the Central Bank to cease recognition of the old naira notes as legal tender from February 10th. This decision compounded the already dire situation of our State occasioned by banditry and sundry crimes, which significantly disrupted economic activities in the State and the sub-region over the years” Gov. Matawalle said.

“It was in consideration of the grave consequences of this disruptive policy which was not well thought out, that I took the decision to team up with the sister states of Kaduna and Kogi to seek the intervention of the Supreme Court to ensure that both the new and old naira notes remain as legal tender beyond February 10th. Gladly, the Supreme Court has given an interim injunction barring the CBN from enforcement of its plan of derecognizing the old notes as legal tender from today, pending its final ruling on the matter on February 15th” He added.

Governor Bello Matawalle also commended the Supreme court for doing the needful, which he said will alleviate the suffering of the masses across the country.

“This courageous decision by the Supreme Court has no doubt saved the country from sliding into a crisis of great proportion that may affect the peace and stability of the country and possibly prevent the holding of the general elections billed for this month”.

” I have joined in this salvaging mission, notwithstanding my proximity and good rapport with His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, the maintained.

He added that for me, governance is all about the protection of the well-being of the people, This is what informed my relentless efforts to ensure peace and stability in the State and turn around the State’s economy for the general good of our people” Gov. Matawalle Maintained.

He expressed happiness that the old currency notes is now valid and people can still use and transact businesses with it for economy growth

“Alhamdullilah, old naira notes will remain legal tender, and the people can continue with their legitimate businesses and earn their livelihoods without fear or concern” Matawalle expressed his Joy.

Present at the event is the Zamfara state Deputy Governor, Hassan Nasiha, secretary to the state government Kabiru Balarabe, Deputy Speaker of Zamfara state House of Assembly, Hon. Musa Bawa Musa others are The Grand Khadi, Dahiru Muhammad Gusau, Commissioners and other top Government functionaries.