Nigerians React As Buhari Insists On Old Naira Deadline Despite Outrage

Nigerians have taken to social media to react to President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to budge from his decision to withdraw old Naira notes from circulation.

Naija News earlier reported that Buhari during a nationwide broadcast on Thursday approved the continuous usage of the old 200 naira notes as legal tender until the 10th of April.

The president stated that the old 200 naira notes will be distributed back into circulation while the old N500 and N1000 notes cease to be legal tender and are all redeemable at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from Feb. 10, 2023, to April 10 2023,” Buhari said.

He added, “In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.”

He appealed to the ordinary citizens to bear the effect of the policy and assured that his administration would continue to assess the policy’s implementation “with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened” adding “In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.”

Reacting to the development, Nigerians hailed the president for standing his ground by refusing to approve the recirculation of all the old notes to stop politicians who might have stockpiled the old notes for vote-buying during the forthcoming presidential elections.

Below are some of the reactions:

Buhari is truly ready for Tinubu and his gang of votes buyers…

Let's the battle continue

— Dixon Enoch (@DixonEnoch2) February 16, 2023

@OloopoE wrote: “Walahi buhari is the real jagaban ..this politics and game of chess buhari na grandmaster..Now let’s tune our channels let’s wait for APC. to start wailing again.”

Brendan Champion wrote: “@Buhari is the GOAT in dismantling the corruption network of politicians. Now the usual looters should go back to the supreme court. With Buhari in charge, you will come back from court empty handed.”

Bahari carry these APC people handicap. E know say them stash money for 1k and 5h notes. Na only 2h in extend. Buhari wetin this people do you??? 😭😭😭

— Nakedknight. (@ob1nn9) February 16, 2023

Cross wrote: “Buhari has openly backed Emefiele. I don’t want to hear you cowards attacking my Delta brother again. It isn’t the first time a Buhari administration is redesigning the currency at closure of his era. Call the arrow head itself if you want to condemn the redesign and scarcity.”

The Beloved wrote: “Buhari extends usage of old 200 hundred naira notes by 60 days. Mr. President you are really doing well, we the masses are okay with it. Baba don vow say him must show some of this looters shege. #200”

Oji ọfọ ga-ala wrote: “president Muhammadu buhari approved the release of only old N200 notes, N500 and N1000 old notes ceases to be legal tender. At least the money they kept for election rigging can’t be in 200 denomination. APC governors una don hear ba.”

Buhari told us to vote the candidate of our choice 😂😂 and he told us that it’s only 200 naira that will remain legal tender so tell ur governors to go bring out that cash they stacked away ! Jungle don mature 😂😂😂😂

— Anthony Asher (@asherforchrist) February 16, 2023

Buhari is the latest political teacher,
Schooling the looters.

— Fidelis Gimba (@fidelisgimba1) February 16, 2023