Naira redesign: Protesters at CBN headquarters demand Emefiele’s arrest, resignation

Some Nigerians are reportedly protesting at the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, demanding the resignation and arrest of CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele over the new naira notes policy.

According to a report by Sahara Reporter, the protesters, who were seen at the headquarters of the top bank holding placards, claimed that Emefiele had subjected Nigerians to unjust hardships that had allegedly resulted in the deaths of many Nigerians.

According to reports, the group vowed to occupy the apex bank’s space until their demands were satisfied.

Some of the inscriptions on their placards read, “Emefiele Must Go”; “CBN Now Bureau De Change”; “Emefiele Bring Out The Names of Those You Gave Our Money To”; “Where Is The 500 Billion You Cried on Tape Is Missing?”; “What Happened To Anchor Borrowers Programme and many others?”

Addressing journalists, the convener of the protest, George Uboh, said “We are demanding that Godwin Emefiele in his capacity as the Governor of CBN should make available the new naira notes. He must also come out here to address the people because the Supreme Court in its ruling pronounced that the new naira notes policy has caused the Nigerian masses undue hardship.”

He added that the action of the CBN on the monetary policy was tantamount to genocide, stressing that it was not only guns that could be used to commit genocide.

He said their protest was informed by the Supreme Court judgment directing the CBN to release the new naira notes just as he described the policy as “insensitive” under the watch of Emefiele, Sahara Reporter says.

Uboh noted that they had perfected plan to call for Emefiele’s arrest and prosecution by the International Criminal Court for committing crimes against humanity.

He added that it was treasonable to have two legal tender at the same in a country, while lamenting how the policy had crippled small businesses in the country.

Security agents including Police, Nigeria Army and Operatives of Department of State Services have reportedly surrounded the CBN building to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.