AYCF bemoan N’Assembly, others over criticisms of redesigned naira notes, cash limit policy

Threaten to occupy assembly complex
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has said that those criticising efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reposition the nation’s economy for development and growth, through the newly redesign naira notes and cash withdrawal policy, should be seen as enemies of the country.

The Northern group, as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), warned members of the National Assembly, who are against the new CBN economic policy, and threatened to take their protest to the Assembly Complex if they continue with criticism of the apex bank’s policy.

Addressing journalists, in Kaduna, on the theme: ‘The Multimillion Naira Sponsored Damaging Campaign Against Naira Redesign Policy,’ the National President of AYCF, Yerima Shettima, condemned lawmakers, who are at the forefront of criticism against CBN, warning: “If need be, we would call for occupation of the National Assembly, should lawmakers continue with their agitation for a reversal of CBN policies.

“We, as a group, have followed, closely, unfolding negative campaign, which is funded by enemies of the country’s economic growth and development.”

We note, with disappointment, the way the media has been used to castigate the CBN governor and the apex bank’s management for taking bold steps to addressing the economic challenges facing the country, and how misinformed Nigerians have been trying to undermine the process from the beginning.”

He said that in view of the negative campaign against the redesigned naira notes and cash limitation policies, members of AYCF and other leaders of CSOs in the north, at a meeting, concluded that the campaign is unpatriotic and baseless.

He added: “We are in support of any policy review by CBN that could help boost the value of our national currency, even if doing so will hurt politicians, who have hidden millions in cash with the intention of buying up voters in the forthcoming general elections.

“We reject a situation where national security will be threatened by sponsored political violence, using cash from Soakaways, farm houses and other illegal vaults. It is clear to many Nigerians that hoarding of naira banknotes by members of the public is now being dealt with by the policy of naira redesign. Long before now, CBN’s available statistics show that cash outside banks consist of over 80 per cent of Currency-In -Circulation (CIC). “