Supreme Court nullifies FG’s cashless policy, Naira Redesign »

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja nullified the Federal Government’s cashless and Naira re-design policy, declaring it as an affront to the 1999 Constitution.

The Apex Court held that President Muhammadu Buhari breached the Constitution of the Federation in the ways and manners he issued directives for the re-designing of the Naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, who read the lead judgment of the Court, held that the President acted Ultra vires by his glaring failure to consult with the National Council of States, Federal Executive Council FEC and the National Economic Council NEC before directing the Central Bank of Nigeria to unlawfully introduce new Naira notes.

He held that the unconstitutional use of powers by President Buhari on Naira Re-designing breached the fundamental rights of the Nigerian citizens in various ways.

The Apex Court said such use of powers by President Buhari is not permitted under democracy and in a plural society like the Nigerian nation.

Among others, the Supreme Court held that unlawful use of executive powers by the President inflicted unprecedented economic hardship on the citizens by denying them ownership of their monies and access to the money.

The Supreme Court in her judgment ordered that old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes remain in circulation till December 31, 2023.

Sixteen states of the Federation instituted the suit to challenge the legality or otherwise of the introduction of the policy.

The suit initially instituted by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states has been slated as the first case on the cause list for a final verdict.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and his Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello were in court to witness the judgement on Friday. The two governors were also in court at the last hearing. Also, Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle was in court on Friday.