Police investigating El-Rufai, other governors for alleged incitement — IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, said on Wednesday that the police are investigating some governors for allegedly harassing the public against the federal government over the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) naira redesign policy.

Mr. Baba stated this while briefing reporters after the National Security Council meeting at the State House.

He said the constitutional immunity enjoyed by the governors would not stop the ongoing investigation, but added that the police could not proceed with the prosecution.

He noted that despite his immunity, the police would warn the governor not to interfere.

“Investigation, we investigate. Anyone who does anything can be investigated, but to be prosecuted, there are people who have immunity. I think this is one of the reasons. But this will not stop us from cautioning, warning and advising and we do . It is to incite the governor,” Mr. Baba said in response to a reporter’s question.

The CBN naira policy and its associated scarcity has pitted President Muhammadu Buhari against some governors in the country.

The president’s decision to ignore directive by the Supreme Court on the legal status of the old N1,000 and N500 has further exacerbated the open confrontation by some governors who have directed residents of the state to ignore the directive of the president on the policy of the CBN.

Although Mr. Baba did not name the governors under investigation, Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa and Dapo Abiodun told their countrymen to continue disposing of old notes in line with the directive of the Supreme Court. In some cases, some governors have threatened to cancel the certificate of occupation of banks that reject old notes in line with the directive of the federal government.

Amidst the controversy over the issue, the naira shortage has intensified and banks have become the target of attacks. In Ogun State, about 10 bank buildings have been burnt.

Supreme Court on Wednesday postponed the case filed by the governor until March 3.

Why are we sending personnel to Lagos, Ogun – Akali

Speaking further, Mr. Baba said there was a joint security operation on the streets of Lagos and Ogun State to ensure stability ahead of Saturday’s election.

He noted that security personnel are not targeting individuals or political parties.

“This is a joint operation, the aim of which is to stabilize the internal security order before the elections. This is not an operation targeted at the elections, but targeted at stabilizing the situation, especially those that arise as a result of currency exchange or whatever it may be called, where people continue to destroy, destroy and even commit arson and the like.

“So this is what is needed to ease the situation, stabilize it, but on election day, you won’t see it at the polling stations,” he said.

Mr. Baba also stated that the police and the armed forces are ready for the general election, stating that he has assured the security council of their readiness for the election.

He noted that the navy, army and air force are ready to support the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a peaceful election.

Elections will be held as planned – Malami

The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in his speech, said the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, assured the security council that the commission is ready to conduct the election.

He said all security agencies and the armed forces briefed the council on their preparedness ahead of the elections.

“The National Security Adviser made a submission; the Chief of Defense Staff made one; the Chief of Staff of the Army made a submission; the Chief of Staff of the Navy made a submission; the Chief of the Air Staff did; the Inspector-General of Police, who accidentally mentioned you, sent a submission; the Director General, Service State Security did; and indeed the Directorate General of NIA and CDI all filed submissions.

“The summary and conclusion of all the submissions is that the system is ready wholeheartedly to carry out the elections and from then on, the position of the government, the position of the president is the effect that the general election is held. February 25, 2023.

“And Mr. President and the National Security Council are happy with the preparations on the ground and the wholehearted arrangements have been made,” he said.

The looming crisis over the CBN’s policies and the shortage of new bank notes have fueled fears that the election could be delayed.