New naira, fuel scarcity lower APC rating, says Akeredolu

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has called on the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), to order the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, to reverse the controversial new naira design policy.

Akeredolu decried the alleged non-obedience of the CBN to the court order on the old notes’ deadline extension, opining that both the new and old notes should be allowed to co-exist.

The governor stated this on Tuesday evening while receiving members of the youth directorate of the All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign Council, led by Seyi Tinubu, the son of the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the timing of the new naira policy was wrong. He also noted that the problem created by the naira and fuel scarcity has affected the rating of the APC ahead of the forthcoming general election.

He said, “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.

“Okada, taxis, banks are not taking old notes again. There is an injunction and everyone is behaving like there is no injunction.

“We have said that this man (CBN Governor) should be removed when he contested to be president. The man is not fit for that position. A man who attempted to be President will frustrate us at this time.”

While appreciating the youths in the party for their relentless efforts, the governor revealed that youths would determine the outcome of next week’s presidential election.

“Your demographic shows that you occupy a larger percentage. You are the ones that will talk to yourselves,” the governor lauded.

He also reiterated that the choice of the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was premised on informed decisions based on his competence and track record.

Akeredolu stated “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.”

Earlier in his remarks, Seyi Tinubu expressed appreciation to the governor for his commitment to youth development and inclusion.

He said, “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. Most especially for young Nigerians and youths in the state. With the work you have done, we know Asiwaju has no worries in Ondo State.”