The paramount ruler of Iwoland, His Imerial Majesty, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has condemned the Federal Government, under the watch of President Muhammed Buhari, over the suffering inflicted on innocent Nigerian masses as a result of the new naira regime.
Oba Akanbi described the approach adopted by government and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in the management of the new naira notes regisme, as insensitive, barbaric, inhuman, heartless and uncivilized, cautioning the Federal Government and CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, to decimate the pain inflicted on Nigerians with holistic review of the new naira notes.
Oluwo said that the government and CBN boss have no excuse for subjecting innocent Nigerians to such sufferings, noting they are already throwing the country into chaos.
He warned the President and his cabals to respect the dignity of every Nigerian and stop punishing innocents masses because of few politicians.
The monarch disclosed the non-availability of new naira notes has caused mayhem in many banks; with angry customers fighting one another, destroying bank properties and reducing human dignity.
Challenging the CBN governor on his claim of the availability of the new naira notes in banks, the Oluwo asked him to call the banks in Iwo – First Bank, Wema, Polaris, Sterling, Stanbic and Lotus, to confirm his claim.
He insisted that the CBN has failed and lost the respect of Nigerians, adding that many could no longer go to work, as artisans are not making money, while students are starved because of no transport fare and school pocket money.
He expressed the fear that the naira tension may invite unrest, urging the government to take urgent measure to halt the mayhem.
The Oluwo, in a statement by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, further said, “I’m afraid of the heightened tension invited by undue suffering of innocent Nigerians because of the non-availability of naira notes. There is no naira notes, both new and old in banks. As I’m, I have no cash on me. It has grounded almost all Nigerians.
“I’ve watched videos of many bank customers unleashing mayhem on banks and their members of staff. I saw customers beating one another on queues. I’ve equally seen children roaming and scavenging the street. They could not go to school because there is no cash (money) for food and transport. Or has government opened accounts for these little children they can use to buy biscuits, candies, etc?
“This approach is a pure demonstration of insensitivity to human feelings, outright manifestation of barbarism by the CBN governor and the Federal Government.
“The suffering induced by non-availability of money in banks is questionable at this critical time. President Buhari, his cabals and the CBN governor owe us an explanation. The fuel scarcity is another touching pain. When will this last, February 25th is still far. Don’t set Nigeria on fire because you intend to punish few politicians.
“In Iwo, there are more than four commercial banks. Only one of them is giving money this morning. The CBN chief, who has earlier claimed the availability of new naira notes in all banks should visit Iwo to disclaim my position. Only Lotus bank is making a difference.”
The monarch, however call on Nigerians to maintain peace and remain calm, saying, “We don’t have any other collective nation. Let’s keep calm, obey law and endure the moment. I will keep pushing until the authorities listen.”
