Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Friday warned that the current scarcity of redesigned naira notes portends danger for the country.
This, as the group called on the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Commercial Banks to improve on the management process
The group disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of an extraordinary meeting held on Thursday in Abuja,
Though the group in the communique signed by the various leaders commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the redesign of the naira notes to mitigate illicit financial transactions.
They however noted the hardship due to it’s non-availability is intolerable.
The communique stated that the meeting ” Commends the efforts of the president and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the redesign of the naira notes to mitigate illicit financial transactions.
“However, notes that the current hardship Nigerians are facing due to the non-availability of the new notes is intolerable, and calls on the CBN and Commercial banks to take urgent steps to improve the management of the process, to alleviate the sufferings of citizens. Warns that the current situation portends danger to national peace and security.”
The group also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his “reiterated commitment to non-interference in the electoral process to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections.”
The group also charged the Feseral Government and security agencies to redouble their efforts in addressing the security situation.
” Expresses grave concern over the debilitating state of insecurity across the country and calls on the federal government and security agencies to redouble efforts to address the situation especially now that the 2023 general elections are around the corner,” stated.
chaired by elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, OFR, CON, had in attendance leaders of the component organizations: Afenifere for the South West, Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the South East, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) for the South-South and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) for the Middle Belt.
Delegations of the constituent organizations were respectively led by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Leader of Afenifere (South West); Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President, Middle Belt Forum (Middle Belt); Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide (South East) as well as Dame Betty Igbeyi, National Woman Leader, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF (South-South).
Others are: Chief Cornelius Adebayo, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Oba Oladipo Olaitan – Deputy Leader Afenifere, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, former Minister of Information & former PG Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, former Minister of Education and Health, Chief Barr. Sola Ebiseni, Secretary-General, Afenifere, Professor A. B. C. Nwosu, Chief Dr. Simon Okeke, former Chairman of Police Service Commission, Mazi Dickson Iroegbu, Professor Charles Nwekeaku, Amb. Eddy Onuoha, HRH Eze Nwosu Ibeh, Hon. Mrs. Sarah Dokotri, Chief Edozie Ezeugwa, High Chief Denzil Kentebe, Dr. Stella Dorgu, Amb. Ozo Nwobu, Charles Emeka Oputa, Amb Orjiako Umuuna, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, CP Iorbes Ihagh (Rtd)- PG MUT, Engr. S. L. S Salifu, Mrs. Beatrice Eze, National Treasurer Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Mrs. Daba Obioha, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Jibrin, Chief Douyi Douglas-Naingba, Engr. Ben Akaakar, Dele Farotimi, Prince Maikpobi Okareme, Hon. Bassey Ekefre, Sir (Dr.) Eric Iku, Ibrahim Welye, Hon. Jonathan Tsaku, Orusoso Don Pedro, and Hon. Ken Robinson, among others.
