The Kogi State Government on Friday ordered the detention and punishment of people and companies who refused to accept the outdated naira notes.
Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner for information, thanked Nigerians on the “historic judgement of the Supreme Court” in a statement.
The old and new naira notes are still valid until December 31, 2023, according to a ruling made last week by the supreme court.
Fanwo outlined how the Yahaya Bello government collaborated with other states to pursue the lawsuit in order to lessen the hardship brought on by the lack of funding.
He argued that it was unreasonable that some people and companies kept turning down the old notes even after the court approved of their usage.
“Rejecting the old naira notes is a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court ruling,” the commissioner stressed.
“Anyone who rejects the old naira notes should be reported to security and government authorities for immediate action. Also, banks that refuse to accept old naira deposits shall be sealed.”
Fanwo warned that the government will not accommodate financial institutions “that willfully disobey court orders, moreso, the orders of the highest court in Nigeria”.
“Since the banks are issuing the old naira notes, they are bound to also receive it. We cannot continue to kill our economy after the Supreme Court has granted us freedom.”
The statement announced the establishment of a high-powered committee to ensure full adherence and compliance to the verdict.
