Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has warned businesses and banks against rejecting old Naira notes, saying the Supreme Court ruling of 8 February is still in force.
The court ruled that the old naira notes and the new ones should co-exist until the determination of the substantive filed by the government of Zamfara, Kaduna and Kogi states.
Many other APC states have joined the suit as plaintiffs and the case adjourned till 22 February.
Information and Strategy commissioner, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement Wednesday said the stand of the Supreme Court has not changed.
Governor Sanwo-Olu called for patience and calmness of Lagosians following the controversy generated by the Naira shortage crisis.
“The 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. The State Government 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.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urges Lagosians to remain law-abiding and shun mischief makers who may exploit this temporary situation to promote their anti-people agenda. He is 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 promised by the Governor.
The 50% fares slash on all State transportation facilities continues, as directed by Mr. Governor.
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