Lagos Govt To Prosecute Banks, Others Rejecting Old Naira Notes

The Lagos State Government has vowed to prosecute banks and anyone rejecting the old naira notes contrary to law.

Naija News reports that the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, made this known in a statement made available on Wednesday.

This state government made this submission hours after the Supreme Court further ordered that the old notes should continue to be legal tender pending its determination of the suit brought before it by some governors, which has been adjourned till February 22.

Omotosho said the state government commended Lagos residents for their patience and calmness following the controversy generated by the Naira shortage crisis.

He said following the adjournment of the suit filed against the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the old notes remained legal tender in the state and across the country.

The commissioner said the government hereby warns those rejecting the old notes to desist from doing so or face prosecution, saying that such action is against the law to reject the old notes.

He added that the state government has started the distribution of the food packs promised by Governor Babjajide Sanwo-Olu and also the 50% fares slash on all state transportation facilities have been affected to cushion the effect of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive on the old notes, especially on the vulnerable residents.

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.”