President Muhammadu Buhari and the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele
Photo; Radio Nigeria Archive
The Presidency says the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has no reason to disobey the Supreme Court order on naira redesign by claiming to be waiting for the directive from President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, refuted claims that President Buhari had instructed the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami and the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele to disobey the court orders.
According to the statement, the President had in no time instructed the AGF and the CBN Governor to disobey any court orders involving the government and other parties.
“Following the ongoing intense debate about the compliance concerning the legality of the old currency notes, the Presidency therefore wishes to state clearly that President Buhari has not done anything knowingly and deliberately to interfere with or obstruct the administration of justice.
“The President is not a micromanager and will not, therefore, stop the Attorney General and the CBN Governor from performing the details of their duties in accordance with the law. In any case. it is debatable at this time if there is proof of willful denial by the two of them on the orders of the apex court,” the Presidency noted.
The Presidency maintained that President Muhammadu Buhari has always respected the rule of law and described the comments against him from opposition and some sections of the country as unfair and unjust.
As for the cashless system, the CBN says that the action will cut corruption, fight terrorism, build an environment of honesty and reinforce the incorruptible leadership of the President.
The Supreme Court had on March 3 ordered that the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes remain valid till December 31.
Writing by Abdullah Bello; Editing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade & Adeniyi Bakare