A coalition of civil society organizations below the aegis of the Community of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria has petitioned the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) towards Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate within the forthcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State over alleged abuse of the Naira.
In a petition dated Could 2, 2024, collectively signed by Nationwide Coordinator, Comrade Victor Kalu, and Nationwide Secretary, Alh. Ali Abatcha, a replica of was sighted by LEADERSHIP, the coalition highlighted the offence of Naira abuse and mutilation, cited within the Central Financial institution of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007, declaring such actions as punishable offences.
The group additionally petitioned the Nigerian Police Drive and the Impartial and Corrupt Practices and different associated offences Fee (ICPC).
The group emphasised that the spraying or matching on the Naira notes throughout social events is a transparent violation of the legislation.
They expressed disappointment that outstanding people, together with lawmakers, have violated the availability of the CBN Act.
They, nevertheless, recommended the EFCC for its swift response in arresting and charging people who’ve been caught on viral movies abusing and defacing the Naira at social occasions.
Additionally, they particularly talked about the instances of Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarewaju, popularly often known as Bobrisky, and Mr. Pascal Okechukwu, also referred to as Cubana Chief Priest, who’ve confronted authorized penalties for his or her actions.
Whereas praising the EFCC for its actions, the coalition demanded that each one people captured in viral movies abusing the Naira ought to be promptly arrested and delivered to justice, as nobody is above the legislation.
Of their calls for, the coalition known as the EFCC and different legislation enforcement businesses to analyze the viral video involving Senator Monday Okpebholo, who’s seen participating in Naira abuse and mutilation, saying the lawmaker ought to be held accountable for his actions as a consultant of the individuals.
Failure to handle the viral video involving the Senator, the group mentioned it could take additional actions by mobilising their members, supporters, and democracy advocates for a peaceable protest towards the EFCC, citing selective motion and bias.
“We’d pursue authorized motion towards the EFCC for negligence within the face of simple proof and to hunt a judicial interpretation of Part 21 (3) of the CBN Act 2007 (As Amended) because it pertains to the video proof of Senator Okpebholo abusing and defacing the Naira,” they said.