‘This Phase Will Soon Pass Away’ – Tinubu Reacts To Protests Over Naira Scarcity

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed concern over the violent protests in some parts of the country over the new naira scarcity.

Naija News reports that violent protests were recorded in Delta, Oyo, Kwara, and Edo states over the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In a statement, he personally signed on Wednesday, Tinubu commiserated with Nigerians over the pain and anguish the currency redesign policy has caused and also sympathized with commercial banks for being victims of the policy.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that assured that the naira crisis will soon be over, stressing that state and federal governments are working to address the current challenges.

He said: “I am saddened by reports of violent protests in parts of our country today, especially in Delta, Oyo, Kwara, and Edo states. In Delta, there were reports of arson and destruction of bank branches.

“I sympathise with all Nigerians who are going through the pains of not being able to get money from banks and ATM points to meet their basic daily needs. I also sympathize with the banks for being victims of the CBN currency redesign policy.

“Be rest assured that this phase will soon pass away as our governments at both the federal and state levels are working to surmount the current challenges.

“With the Supreme Court reaffirming its order of 8 February on monetary authorities to allow the old and new Naira notes to circulate together, I believe a solution is right on the way and the scarcity of Naira notes will soon be over.

“I am happy to note the various measures being put in place by many of our Governors to cushion the effect of the scarcity of Naira on households.”

Tinubu also appealed to the youths to restrain themselves from resorting to violent protest, urging them not to take the law into their hands through destructive protests.

He added: “We feel your pains and frustration but destroying lives and properties will not solve any problem.

“Rather, it will only complicate the crisis we have on our hands. We must keep the peace and remain calm.

“Let us not be provoked. Instead, let us cooperate with the government in seeking immediate and lasting solutions.

“This difficult time shall soon be over. We must keep hope alive as we move forward to a better, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria of our dream. God bless you all.”