society

Civil Society Organization Condemns Naira Scarcity Violence, Faults Presidential Broadcast on N200 as Contempt of Court

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2023

DELTA COMMUNITIES LAMENT GROSS NEGLECT BY FG, AGENCIES, OIL COMPANIES.

Civil Society Organization Condemns Naira Scarcity Violence, Faults Presidential Broadcast on N200 as Contempt of Court

A civil society organization, Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER) has condemned in the strongest terms the violence that has broken out in some parts of the country as a result of the wicked, insensitive, irresponsible and provocative implementation of the naira redesign policy which has subjected Nigerians to untold hardship, pains, agony and deprivations of their personal and legitimate money domiciled in banks.

According to a press statement issued in Lagos today Thursday 16th February 2023 by the group executive director Nelson Ekujumi, he stated that, “We are saddened and traumatized by the pains and anguish inflicted on innocent Nigerians by the inhuman implementation of this policy which has degenerated to pockets of violence and it’s attendant destruction of properties and likely loss of life”. “We condemn the violence in it’s entirety and call on Nigerians to remain calm and not to fall prey to the plots of anti democratic elements whose major goal is to truncate the smooth conduct of the 2023 general elections”.

The group stated that it sympathized with Nigerians for enduring the pains and agony inflicted by the policy so far and urged them to continue to keep the peace because, “Together we shall weather and overcome this storm”.

However, CSER wants it placed on record that the blame for this violence should be placed squarely at the doorstep of the CBN management and the federal government for their insensitivity to the pains of ordinary Nigerians in accessing their personal and legitimate funds which is condemnable and unacceptable.

The civil society organization while welcoming and appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for his presidential broadcast of 16th February 2023 in response to the naira redesign policy implementation crisis, however faulted Mr. President speech for affirming only the old N200 notes as valid legal tender as against the old N500 and N1000 notes which from the speech are no longer legal tender.

Nelson Ekujumi noted that, it is not in doubt that Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy in which the law of the land is supreme as individuals, groups and institutions are subject to the provisions of the law. Going further, he stated, “We are aware that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is one that prides itself as a respecter of the rule of law, we are also aware that only yesterday 15th February 2023, the supreme court ruled that it’s order on the dateline extension of the old N200, N500 and N1000 naira as legal tender subsists till the next adjourned date of 22nd February, 2023”.

Therefore, we are at CSER are at a loss as to where in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, Mr. President derives the power to over ride the pronouncement of the court via a presidential broadcast?

As stated by Mr. President in his presidential speech today, he himself made allusion to the matter being in court and we would have expected him to have taken judicial notice of the court pronouncement in his speech, but which unfortunately and sadly was not the case.

With all due respect, “Mr. President by the presidential broadcast of recognizing only the old N200 as legal tender and pronouncing the old N500 and N1000 notes as no longer legal tender, is by law liable for contempt of court which is unfortunate.

We also want to use this opportunity to call on Nigerians to take electoral notice of politicians and political parties who have sided with the people in this trying times as against those gloating and calling on the CBN to remain resolute in inflicting pains on the suffering Nigerians, they have exposed themselves as who they really are as enemies of the people who wish us no good but are only pretending and should be rejected at the polls.

Therefore, as we call on Nigerians to remain calm and not resort to violence in resolving this CBN inflicted crisis, we demand that Mr. President retract that part of his speech in obedience to the supreme court ruling that the old N200, N500 and N1000 remain legal tender till the determination of the suit whose next hearing is slated for the 22nd of February 2023.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

Nelson Ekujumi,

Executive Director.

Related Topics:Featured Naira Scarcity Society

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society

Man Rescued After Wife, Children Allegedly Tie Him Up Over Retirement Benefits

Published

10 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Man Rescued After Wife, Children Allegedly Tie Him Up Over Retirement Benefits

A man has been rescued after his wife and children allegedly bound and left him for dead following a heated argument over his retirement benefits.

The shocking incident was shared on the microblogging platform X by a user identified as @dammiedammie35. According to reports, the dispute escalated into a violent confrontation, during which the man’s wife and children restrained him.

A video accompanying the post showed the victim being untied by concerned individuals, with his hands and wrists bound with cloth.

@dammiedammie35 captioned the post:
“Husband rescued after allegedly being bound, gagged, and left to d!e by his wife and children following an argument over his retirement benefits .”

The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many expressing shock and condemnation.

Social Media Reactions

@justtooblunt: “As a man, make sure you are not far from the gym. Even if na local dumbbells, try carry. See wetin dem do man .”
@GodstimeMordi: “On top him retirement money.”
@askiaz__: “I married my best friend” Una.”
@EuchariaUrantaO: “Haba! Na! This is just too sad! Over his own retirement benefits? I hope they get arrested! Kai!.”
@EntertainX_: “Imagine working your whole life, only for your own wife and kids to tie you up, gag you, and leave you to die… all because of your retirement benefits. Loyalty is truly a myth these days.”
@TadyJerry: “Look at this violence. You see how evil women can be? She didn’t fight him alone, she made sure her children joined in harassing their father. What a shame. She’s a disgrace and an abomination. Tuehhhh.”

Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but many netizens are calling for an investigation and possible legal action against the perpetrators.

society

Oludayo Banjo: A Quintessential Gem with a Heart of Simplicity and Preciousness

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March 18, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Oludayo Banjo: A Quintessential Gem with a Heart of Simplicity and Preciousness

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Oludayo Banjo is a gracious and inspiring woman who personifies the values of womanhood and embodies beauty, as thoughtfully presented in this commemorative piece and tribute compiled by Oluwaseun Fabiyi, publisher of BethNews Media.

As noted by Oluwaseun Fabiyi, Oludayo Banjo is a woman of extraordinary beauty and substance, whose enduring influence will be treasured by her friends and associates.

Beholding this energetic woman, Oludayo Banjo, one sees a value that surpasses diamonds, gold, and oil wells, owing to her unwavering devotion to young generations within her community and beyond.

Oludayo Banjo is a woman of remarkable diligence and dedication, distinguished by her extraordinary blend of sisterly affection and angelic empathy, making her a treasured asset to humanity.

As I author this article in recognition of your achievements, you exemplify the characteristics of a dedicated, resplendent, and beautiful Black woman—a true pioneer, humble, spiritually fulfilled, prudent in your actions, and able to forgive even when provoked.

To conclude, I offer a heartfelt prayer on your behalf, seeking divine blessings for good health, happiness, and the successful fulfillment of your aspirations. May your endeavors be fruitful, yielding substantial returns without hindrance.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a seasoned journalist, writes from Lagos.

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

Published

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March 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

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