Obaseki to El-Rufai: Not All 36 States Are against Cash Swap Deadline

*Says policy aimed at promoting financial inclusion, preventing inducement of voters in elections, tackling corruption, money-laundering, checking ransom payments

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin

Edo State Government yesterday distanced itself from the comments and moves by the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and some other governors against the currency swap policy deadline.

In a statement by Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, the state government said the Kaduna State Governor does not speak for Edo State and called for, “guided utterances and inferences in such critical matters, especially in the heat of the political season.”  

The statement explained: “We are not a party to the suit instituted by the Governments of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara States against the CBN’s policy and take exemption to the claim by the Kaduna State Governor that the move by the three governments is backed by Nigeria’s 36 State Governments.

“The currency swap policy, which is intricately linked to the cashless policy of the CBN, is aimed at promoting financial inclusion; preventing inducement of voters in elections; tackling corruption and money-laundering and checking ransom payments among other cash-based financial infractions.”

He noted that the state government acknowledges the difficulties that had arisen from the cash swap policy and empathises with all Nigerians over the challenges faced with accessing the new notes as well as other difficulties in conducting financial transactions in the last few days, noting that, “while this situation is being managed by the concerned authorities and relief being sought by the authorised agencies, it is disingenuous for a suit to be filed by three governments and then inferences are made to the effect that it is the entire state governments in Nigeria that sued the federal government and that they all stand against the CBN’s policy.

“The Kaduna State Governor does not speak for us in Edo State and we urge for guided utterances and inferences in such critical matters, especially in the heat of the political season.
“The Edo State government reiterates its commitment to the good people of the State and assures that it will continue to work assiduously to protect lives and properties and provide the conducive environment for all to thrive and live life to its fullness.”