Naira scarcity: Kaduna govt warns residents against protest

The Kaduna State Government has urged the residents of the state to remain amidst the scarcity of new naira notes in the country.

The state government said some individuals and groups have concluded plans to organise massive protests, seizing on the acute shortage of cash and attendant hardship faced by the citizens.

It said this via a statement issued by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, on Tuesday.

“The Kaduna State government wishes to appeal for caution and vigilance by all citizens in the face of the prevailing situation arising from the cash swap and currency redesign policy.

“The government is aware that certain individuals and groups have made plans to organize massive protests, seizing on the acute shortage of cash and attendant hardships faced by citizens.

“Citizens are reminded that care must be taken not to play into the plans of dubious elements seeking to create crisis at this crucial period.

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“Citizens are thus advised to ignore these calls for massive protests in the interest of public security.

“Government expresses its sincerest empathy over the tight situation, and urges for calm and restraint as efforts continue to be made towards easing the difficulties,” the commissioner stated.

Aruwan added that Governor Nasir El-Rufai met with the leadership of the Kaduna State Market Traders Association on Tuesday to reiterate appeals for patience and calm.

He stated that the governor assured the meeting that legal means were being vigorously explored in tandem with other state governments, to relieve people of the present sufferings.

Present at the meeting were the senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Sen. Uba Sani, the Administrator, Kaduna Capital Territory Authority, Hafiz Bayero, and Aruwan.

The Star