From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has threatened to place sanction on banks and business owners who reject old Naira notes as legal tender in the state.
Ganduje warned that his administration would not hesitate to revoke operational licenses of major business owners or take action on anyone who refuses to accept the old naira notes as a means of transaction.
He spoke through a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba, on Tuesday.
According to the Statement, “the Supreme Court was emphatic on its interim injunction on the issue of old naira notes which would continue to be used as legal tender hand in hand with the new ones untill gradual and final phase out.”
Governor Ganduje noted that, “it has come to the notice of the government that some business owners such as supermarkets, malls, banks, restaurants, hotels, traders in markets, filling stations, motor parks, among others, are in the habit of rejecting the old naira notes in business transaction.”
Ganduje further observed that, “this non-acceptance by some selfish individuals is further worsening the already tensed situation exacerbated by the non-availability of the new naira notes.
“Business and economic activities are seriously affected by the naira redesign and unfortunately some self-centered individuals are cashing on the situation to cause further hardships on the people by not accepting the old naira notes during transactions.”
He said the people have suffered enough untold hardship and therefore the state government would not fold it’s arms and allow few selfish elements in our midst to worsen the situation.
Governor Ganduje, therefore, called on the people in the state to continue with their lawful businesses and report anyone who refuses to accept the old naira notes to the appropriate quarters.
