2023: APC rating drops over naira redesign crisis

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has said that the naira redesign policy of the Federal Government is affecting the ratings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with voters ahead of the general election.

Mr. Akeredolu spoke in Akure on Wednesday when he received the youth wing of the APC led by Seyi Tinubu, the son of the APC presidential candidate.

The governor urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to immediately reverse the controversial policy.

He said the new and old naira notes should be allowed to co-exist, sadly despite the order from the Supreme Court, the old notes seem to have become invalid in the country.

Mr. Akeredolu said the policy was ill-timed, adding that it has been exacerbated by fuel shortages, APC’s ratings have dropped due to the situation.

“We have problems facing this country today. Our rating as a party is not favorable,” he said.

“Don’t lie to yourself. Will we have this financial policy now?

“How? Fuel and all? Things are not easy. This policy is not valid at this time. It should be reversed. Reserve and tell CBN that we will reverse it. Let the old and new notes together.

“Okadas, taxis, banks don’t take old notes anymore. There is an order and everyone is acting like there is no order. We have said that this man (CBN Governor) should be removed when he is contesting for the presidency.

“A man is not fit for that position. A man who is trying to be president will disturb us now.

Mr. Akeredolu commended Seyi Tinubu and his team for the tough campaign they embarked on for the success of APC.

While commending the youths of the party for their unrelenting efforts, the governor said the youths will determine the outcome of the presidential election.

“Your demographics show that you have a larger percentage. You will speak for yourself,” he said.

Mr. Akeredolu explained that the choice of Mr. Tinubu as the APC candidate was based on his competence and track record.

“We do not waver when we say that the Presidency should come to the South. And when it comes to the South, we do not waver when we say that competence and track record are important. Our choice of Asiwaju is based on an ignorant decision because we are from the same tribe,” said Governor Akeredolu.

He further commended the State Party Youth Chairman, Ayo Wisdom, for running the party’s youth department effectively.

Earlier, Seyi Tinubu appreciated the governor for his commitment to youth development and inclusion.

“We have come to ask for your approval to improve what we have done in the state in terms of the campaign. In the next two days we will be in Ondo to meet with the youths,” he said.

“Thank you for everything you have done for Ondo and Nigeria. Especially for young Nigerians and the youth of the country. With the work you have done, we know Asiwaju is not worried about Ondo State.

The governor had earlier joined his counterparts in Kaduna, Zamfara and Kogi at the Supreme Court against the CBN redesign policy.

Ondo State also filed a separate suit against the Federal Government at the apex court seeking reversal of the policy.

The state government cited the hardship it has caused on citizens and the inability to efficiently fund ministries, agencies and departments as reasons why the policy should be scrapped.

Mr. Akeredolu’s comments also come against the backdrop of repeated allegations by members of Mr. Tinubu’s presidential campaign Committee that the policy is designed to ensure that his candidate does not win the upcoming presidential election.

Mr. Emefiele said the policy was to reduce inflation, strengthen the naira, and generally improve the Nigerian economy despite the initial problems.

He blamed the negative impact of the policy on alleged sabotage by some stakeholders in the country’s financial ecosystem.