The Central Bank of Nigeria has debunked a post shared by the first lady, Aisha Buhari, on the controversial naira redesign policy by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
In a post on Aisha Buhari’s Facebook page, the first lady shared a ‘fake’ press statement purportedly by the CBN spurring the apex bank to debunk it.
According to the ‘fake’ post shared by the first lady, the old N200, N500 and N1,00 notes can be used as legal tender till May 1 2023.
Reacting via a post on its official Twitter handle, the apex bank posted the viral statement and tagged it fake.
PLEASE BE WARY OF FAKE NEWS! pic.twitter.com/EZc6ygua3u
— Central Bank of Nigeria (@cenbank) February 21, 2023
Aisha Buhari’s post has since garnered reactions from social media users. See some comments below:
Aisha Buhari is spreading fake news against her husband Muhammad Buhari. ???? pic.twitter.com/xy7HsaKvxY
— Nwa❤️ (@Ozoadaz) February 21, 2023
Does the First Lady have immunity from prosecution?
This is treason and forgery and she must have a day in court
Aisha Buhari must face justice pic.twitter.com/0izYTxgdPH
— Amina De-vawulence (@Aminaruk) February 21, 2023
After working both online, offline to convince Baba,they had to then use Aisha Buhari’s page to spread confusion & fake news!
Where is the CBN? Where is Buhari that a First Lady without office will dish out this information?
Few days, Obi on board, this will be a thing of past. pic.twitter.com/h3UISwBiuI— H I I K Y A A T O R (@HiikyaaTor) February 21, 2023
Aisha Buhari is a cabal herself. What an audacity. CBN hasn't posted anything about this and she went ahead to do such. This says alot about her hidden agenda. pic.twitter.com/DhuElDGqCg
— Uncle Femi #Tag Peter Obi for president (@FemiTope5) February 21, 2023
Why is Aisha Buhari posting fake news? Or she has an inside scoop of what’s about to happen? Even at that…sigh.
Everybody just dey do anyhow. Ati agba, ati omode.
Can this election be over in peace. pic.twitter.com/9GNghFNNhe
— Banqie (@AdeBanqie) February 21, 2023
Buhari had on Wednesday said the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes are no longer legal tender in the country.
He, however, said the old N200 note will be legal tender for the next 60 days, till April 10, 2023, while besieging Nigerians to deposit their old N500 and 1000 notes with the CBN.
The president said, “Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain the top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.
“In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes. For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.
“During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, (from January 31 till February 10) I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well-meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.
“I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.
“To further ease the supply pressures, particularly to our citizens, I have approved the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023, to April 10, 2023, when the old N200 notes cease to be legal tender.”
He continued, “In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points. I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.”
The naira redesign policy has generated lots of backlash from Nigerians over the sufferings faced by many.
