Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has urged President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) to direct Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele to reverse the controversial new naira design policy. Akeredolu criticized the CBN’s alleged failure to comply with a court order extending the deadline for old notes, arguing that both the new and old notes should be allowed to circulate simultaneously. He made these remarks on Tuesday evening while receiving members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council’s youth directorate, led by Seyi Tinubu, son of APC presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
According to Akeredolu, the timing of the new naira policy is inappropriate and has negatively impacted the APC’s rating ahead of the upcoming general election. He warned, “We have a problem we are facing in this country today. Our rating as a party is not that favourable. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Must it be now that we will have this financial policy? How? Fuel and everything? Things are not easy. This policy is not right at this time. It should be reversed. Reserve it and tell CBN that we are reversing it. Let old and new notes co‑exist.” He added that merchants such as okada riders, taxi drivers, and banks are refusing to accept old notes despite an injunction, and that the CBN governor should be removed for his presidential ambitions, describing him as unfit for the role.
While commending the party’s youths for their relentless efforts, Akeredolu emphasized that they will determine the outcome of next week’s presidential election, noting their demographic advantage. He reiterated that the APC’s choice of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as its presidential candidate was based on informed decisions regarding competence and track record, not tribal affiliation. “We didn’t waver when we said that the presidency must come to the South. And when it got to the South, we didn’t waver when we said competence and track record are important. Our choice of Asiwaju was premised on an informed decision, not because we are from the same tribe,” he said.
Earlier in the meeting, Seyi Tinubu expressed appreciation for Governor Akeredolu’s commitment to youth development and inclusion. He stated, “We have come to seek your approval to add to what you have done in the state already in terms of campaign. We will be in Ondo for the next two days to meet with the youths. Thank you for all you have been doing for Ondo and Nigeria, especially for young Nigerians and youths in the state. With the work you have done, we know Asiwaju has no worries in Ondo State.”
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