“Reject old notes and face prosecution” – Lagos state gov, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, warns residents

The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has cautioned citizens to not reject old Naira notes.

Governor Sanwo-Olu issued a post on his social media page this evening warning that anyone who refuses to accept the old Naira notes will be prosecuted.

He wrote;

“Dear Lagosians,
I hereby commend and applaud your patience and calmness, following the sad controversy generated by the Naira shortage crisis.
I would like to inform you that the Lagos State Government has joined the dispute at the Supreme Court, which today adjourned the hearing of the matter till February 22.
When the matter first came up on February 8, the apex court said the old notes remained legal tender.
That position has not changed. Therefore we hereby warns those rejecting the old notes to desist from doing so or face prosecution. It is against the law to reject the old notes, as doing so is contrary to the position of the Supreme Court.
I therefore plead with everyone to remain law-abiding, and shun mischief makers who may want to exploit this temporary situation to promote their anti-people agenda. I am confident that the Judiciary will resolve all the issues around the currency shortage crisis.
To cushion the effect of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive on the old notes, especially on the vulnerable among us, Lagos State has started the distribution of the food packs as I earlier promised, while the 50% fares slash on all State transportation services facilities continues.
Thank you all and God bless.”