‘It is prohibited’ — Kaduna warns against naira scarcity protest

The Kaduna government has warned residents against any act capable of causing panic in any part of the state.

In a statement by Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security, the government said it received credible intelligence of plans by some groups to deliberately disrupt public peace by organising street protests in the state.

“Kaduna state government hereby reminds citizens that such protests remain strictly prohibited. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid all actions remotely capable of inciting a breakdown of law and order,” the statement reads.

“The government continues to empathize with citizens who have been placed in untold distress as a result of the CBN cash swap policy.

“Residents must shun the baitings of mischievous groups hoping to ride on these hardships and incite violence.”

Aruwan said the government and others across the country are deploying the law to resolve the issues and bring relief to citizens.

“Government is also studying options for addressing challenges being faced by citizens with regard to transportation to their places of work,” he added.

“Any resort to unruly or violent conduct is illegal and against the public interest which values law and order.”

Aruwan said security agencies have been placed on high alert and directed by the government to decisively uphold law and order.

“Citizens are therefore urged to be calm and remain peaceful and law-abiding as they prepare to exercise their civic franchise in an atmosphere free of all forms of threat,” he said

On Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the validity of old N200 notes till April 10.

The president also said all existing old N1,000 and N500 notes would remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points for 60 days.

The development came after the supreme court insisted that the old notes were still valid, and adjourned the case filed by several states — including Kaduna — challenging the deadline on the old notes till February 22.

But Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna, said the old and new notes remain legal tender in the state pending the court’s decision.