I’ll deal with banks, anyone rejecting old naira notes — Lagos Gov Sanwo-Olu vows
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday promised to deal with commercial banks that reject the old naira notes.
The Governor vowed to prosecute any commercial bank that refuses to collect the old naira notes from the people, as he believes it’s against the position of the Supreme Court to do so.
The Informant247 recalls that the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed that the old naira notes should remain legal tender till it determines the suit initiated by some governors.
The hearing of the highest court of the country was adjourned till February 22, 2023.
The Governor made the warning through his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
The statement reads, “The Lagos State Government wishes to put on record the patience and calmness of Lagosians following the controversy generated by the Naira shortage crisis.
“The State Government has joined the dispute at the Supreme Court, which today adjourned the hearing of the matter till February 22. When the matter first came up on February 8, the apex court said the old notes remained legal tender.
“That position has not changed. The State Government hereby warns those rejecting the old notes to desist from doing so or face prosecution. It is against the law to reject the old notes as doing so is contrary to the position of the Supreme Court.”
“Governor Sanwo-Olu urges Lagosians to remain law-abiding and shun mischief makers who may exploit this temporary situation to promote their anti-people agenda. He is confident that the Judiciary will resolve all the issues around the currency shortage crisis.
“To cushion the effect of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive on the old notes, especially on the vulnerable among us, Lagos State has started the distribution of the food packs promised by the Governor. The 50% fares slash on all state transportation facilities continues, as directed by Mr Governor,” the statement added.
