Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, NigeriaÂ
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria convened a press conference in Abuja to denounce the actions of Monday Okpebholo, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.
The focal point of their condemnation: Okpebholo’s alleged act of spraying Naira notes at a recent public event.
The press conference, held amidst a backdrop of growing public outrage, served as a platform for these CSOs to articulate their staunch opposition to what they perceive as a flagrant violation of Nigeria’s currency laws and an affront to the nation’s economic integrity.
Addressing a gathered audience of media representatives and concerned citizens, spokespersons for the CSOs minced no words in their criticism of Okpebholo’s actions, labeling them as irresponsible and detrimental to the fabric of society.
They emphasized the importance of upholding the sanctity of the Naira, Nigeria’s official currency, and condemned any behavior that undermines its value or legal status.
In a joint statement, the CSOs showcased the need for political leaders and aspirants to serve as exemplars of responsible citizenship, particularly in matters pertaining to fiscal discipline and respect for the rule of law. They highlighted the negative implications of Naira note spraying, including its potential to fuel inflation, erode public trust in financial institutions, and perpetuate a culture of disregard for regulatory statutes.
Furthermore, the CSOs called upon relevant authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate disciplinary action if warranted.
They stressed the importance of holding political candidates to account for their actions, especially when such actions have the potential to undermine the integrity of the electoral process or compromise the nation’s economic stability.
