Anarchy looms as Aderibigbe knocks Buhari over approach to scarcity of new naira notes, fuel

Following the scarcity of new naira note and fuel in the country, former Presidential Aspirant and President of the National Carrot Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, (NACAGPROMAN), John Adekorede Aderibigbe has faulted President Muhammadu Buhari’s lackadaisical attitude to the crisis, saying seven days is too long to address the issue.

Aderibigbe added that in saner climes, the President of the nation would have come on national television to address the people about the situation of things at this critical time when temper and emotions are rising.

For weeks now, there has been palpable tension across the nation over scarcity of the new naira notes and fuel that has led to protest, bonfires, blockade of major roads and destruction of national assets in some States.

Nigerians are, however, lamenting the sufferings they are going through, as they do not have access to the redesigned notes in banks, with less than 48-hours to the deadline for the exchange of the old Notes, coupled with the scarcity of fuel.

Speaking further, the United Nations Peace Advocacy Campaigner said the nation is gradually plunging into an anarchy state due to the failure of the president to speak up.

In a statement by Aderibigbe through his media aide, Akinwale Kasali, he said if the President can not address the situation as a matter of urgency, hence he should step down.

“Nigerians are angry with his government. The policies made by this government have plunged us into crisis.

“Everyone is affected, Nigerians are suffering, the Government should take a drastic step to address this issue, before it escalates and plunged the nation into anarchy.

“President Buhari needs to reassure Nigerians that drastic measures will be taken in earnest to address the situation before it ignites into a cold war.

“It is disheartening and unheard of that Nigerians will be withdrawing N10,000 from POS Operators with N2,000, N1,000 with N400. This is ridiculous. We haven’t gotten this bad,” Aderibigbe said.

Aderibigbe, who is also the Country Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), a global non-governmental organisation with the United Nations (UN), added that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has brought about the redesigning of the New Naira Note at the wrong time.

He said the policy is a good idea, but the timing was wrong as it failed to do an aggressive public awareness and done the needful before embarking on such policy.

“Emefiele has over the years during former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan till this present administration make fiscal policies and not monetary policies.

He coming up with a monetary policy at the 11th hour has plunged the nation to its present state.

“It is glaring that the CBN is not prepared for this policy it embarked on. It should be lenient with its policies by admonishing Nigerians to embrace e-Banking, e-Wallet that would drive the economy positively, by making Nigerians see the benefit of the policy and not compel Nigerians at the 11th hour.

“Without mincing words, the redesigning of the New Naira Notes will reduce theft, kidnapping and some other social vices, but it is coming at a wrong time, with Emefiele failing to sensitize Nigerians why they should embrace the policy and what they stand to benefit.

“Most countries around the world embraced cashless policy, but the approach is worthwhile. Sadly, reverse is the case here,” he said.

Aderibigbe, however, implored aggrieved Nigerians and irate youths not to destroy the nation assets, Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and desist from assaulting bank officials as they are just carrying out their duty as employees of Financial institutions.

He stressed that they are not decision makers but just ordinary Nigerians hustling to make a living.

“I implore Nigerians to be law abiding, embrace peace and remain calm as this is a phase that will pass. We will overcome this present situation.

“I strongly believe that this present administration will listen to the voice of reasoning and feel the pains and suffering of Nigerians by addressing this issue in earnest,” he concluded.