Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State, has criticised the redesign of the naira notes as a subpar tactic in the war against corruption in the nation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor, Siminalayi Fubara, addressed during a rally in Rivers, in the state’s Okirika local government area. Wike called the policy “anti-people.”
The redesign of the N200, N500, and N1000 notes was unveiled by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in October of last year.
Additionally, the top bank set a deadline of January 31 for the removal of the old naira notes from circulation.
However, in response to criticism from Nigerians, the CBN last Sunday extended the naira exchange deadline until February 10.
At the rally, Wike insisted that the naira redesign was only meant to unleash suffering on Nigerians, and not to fight corruption.
He stressed that President Muhammadu Buhari was wrongly advised on the matter.
The governor said: “Let me use this opportunity to advise Mr. President because I mean well for him. Whoever is advising him on the so-called redesign of the naira does not love him. Mr. President, in three months, you’re going. Is it these three months you’re going that corruption will end? It is impossible.
“Why did the governor of the Central Bank not bring this policy when he wanted to contest for president? It is now that the policy is good. Mr. President, these people don’t love you.
“This policy is anti-people because the notes are not there. Even when I have money in my account, I cannot get N10,000. I cannot buy fuel. Who is losing? Is it not the masses? Is it not the people?
“Who told you that they are using it to fight politicians? Do you think I am not prepared for this election? They are merely fighting against the poor people. This policy is not to fight corruption at all or fight politicians. It is just a way to suffer the people who elected us to govern them. And our business is not to make people suffer.
“I’ve never seen anywhere they change money and within six months they say no more use of old notes. It cannot work; it takes time. Look at the rural areas and the level of illiteracy in the country.
“Every day, the CIA carries cash for operation the NIA carries cash for operation. But here, we cannot give our security N1 million.
“When you are bringing out policies, bring out policies that you know will last for long; make them favour the people.”
