Following the Supreme Court declaration on old naira notes still valid for business transactions on 15th February 2023, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu, has directed to vent its wrath on anyone rejecting the old naira notes. This was revealed in a statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu vowed to move against anyone who rejected the old notes. The statement on Wednesday after the Supreme Court revalidation of its order 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.”
More so, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has issued a stern warning to all commercial banks in his state against refusal in accepting old naira notes from its citizens. This was made known in a brief statement on his official Twitter Page. Noting that any bank found wanting faces the risk of being shut down by the state government.
