The House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on new naira re-design and naira swap policy has rejected the ten days extension granted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the exchange of old naira notes. Chairman of the ad-hoc committee Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa in press statement described the extension as a mere political gimmick to further deceive Nigerians and worsen their economic and social livelihood.
This followed the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele’s announcement on Sunday, commending President Muhammadu Buhari for his express permission for a new deadline to February 10. Recall that the apex bank had fixed January 31st as the deadline for the exchange of the old naira notes; N200, N500 and N1000. The Adhoc Committee chairman rejected the extension, insisting that the CBN must comply with section 20 sub 3, 4, and 5 of the CBN act. Just last week the house, during its sitting on Tuesday, following the outcry by Nigerians, constituted the ad hoc committee to look into the issue.
Doguwa said that; ” The 10-day extension for the exchange of the old naira notes is not the solution: We as a legislative committee with a constitutional mandate of the house, would only accept clear compliance with section 20 sub 3, 4, and 5 of the CBN act and nothing more. ” Nigeria as a developing economy and a nascent democracy must respect the principle of the rule of law. And the House would go ahead to sign arrest warrant to compel the CBN Governor to appear before the Adhoc committee.” He said under his chairmanship, the committee would continue its work until it gets the demands of Nigerians addressed in accordance with the laws of the land.
Doguwa said the CBN governor must appear before or stand the risk of being arrested on the strength of legislative writs signed by Hon. Speaker on Monday. He also said the policy is capable of frustrating the forthcoming general elections. ” Security agencies and their operations especially at the states level are generally funded through cash advances and direct table payments of allowances to operatives during elections,” he said.
