Stop “destructive” protest against naira scarcity, Tinubu begs Nigerian youths

Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, has warned Nigerian youths against engaging in destructive protests over the hardship induced by naira scarcity.

The former Lagos governor made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday, shortly after a bank was razed by angry Nigerians in Delta state.

“I am saddened by reports  of violent protests in parts of our country today especially in Delta, Oyo, Kwara and Edo states. In Delta, there were reports of arson and destruction of bank branches.

“I want to appeal to our young people not to take laws into their hands through destructive protests. We feel your pains and frustration but destroying lives and properties will not solve any problem. Rather, it will only complicate the crisis we have on our hands,” Mr Tinubu said.

While assuring Nigerians that the hardship induced by naira scarcity will soon be over, Mr Tinubu added, “I sympathise with all Nigerians who are going through the pains of not being able to get money from banks and ATM points to meet their basic daily needs. I also sympathize with the banks for being victims of the CBN currency redesign policy.”

Three weeks ago, Mr Tinubu had in his rally at Abeokuta accused President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime of pushing naira redesign policy to sabotage his presidential ambition.

In October, the apex bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, announced the redesign of N200, N500 and N1000 notes, a policy Mr Buhari supported.

With the withdrawal of old notes from circulation, Nigerians have experienced an unprecedented naira scarcity in the past three weeks, disrupting economic and commercial activities across the country.