NAIJA NEWS
Reactions have trailed the comment by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, that the federal government would obey the order of the Supreme Court for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the scheduled deadline for the use of the old naira notes.
Naija News reported that the apex court, in a unanimous ruling, restrained the Federal Government, CBN, and commercial banks from implementing the February 10 deadline for the old 200, 500, and 1000 naira notes to stop being a legal tender.
The apex court also stopped the three defendants from continuing with the deadline pending the determination of a notice in respect of the issue.
Following the ruling, Malami, on behalf of the federal government, filed a preliminary objection to challenge the order of the Supreme Court.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise News on Thursday, Malami said the government will comply with the ruling until the order is set aside.
The minister faulted the order of the apex court on the premise that the CBN, being a necessary party, was not joined in the suit that was filed by the governments of Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara states.
Reacting to the development, some Nigerians took to social media to commend the federal government for planning to obey the court order on the deadline for the use of the old naira notes.
While others asked the minister to challenge the ruling of the apex court and ensure that the deadline for the phase-out of the old naira notes is enforced.
See some of the reactions below.
@mikeljusty wrote: “They only adhere to laws that suit them. It’s obvious there’s no rule of law in Nigeria. If PDAPC government is in power they’ll do with the law the way they want.”
@kguzor wrote: “Those asking the Federal government to obey the Supreme Court judgment extending the deadline on old Naira notes should also ask the Federal government to comply with the Court/Tribunal rulings that called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. All judgments are created equal.”
@OwieDestiny2 wrote: “The Supreme Court doesn’t have the power to override policies of the executive arm except when abused, This is an open fight between the executive and Judiciary arm of government. A policy that was passed by the Legislative arm of government. Only Buhari can stop CBN policies.”
@OluwoleLewis wrote: “We dare u to disobey it first and see if Asiwaju won’t jail u when he’s President. Enter the trap first!”
@adegbola_ayoola wrote: “Under the law supreme court has the power to do so.“
@ApataArc wrote: “I think Malami…
