Naira Swap, Fuel Crisis Have Negative Effect On APC – Gov Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ten days to the commencement of general elections, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that the current rating of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) by Nigerians is not favourable.

Akeredolu, Chairman Southern Governors Forum explained that this was due mainly to the current hardship occassioned by the currency change and fuel scarcity.

He has, therefore, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele to reverse the Naira redesign policy now.

Governor Akeredolu said that both the new and old notes should be allowed to co-exist, noting that despite an existing court injunction, the old notes seem to have ceased to be legal tender in the country.

A statement on Wednesday signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde stated that Akeredolu spoke  Tuesday evening while receiving members of the Youth Directorate of the APC, Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) led by Seyi Tinubu.

Seyi Tinubu is the son of APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Akeredolu faulted the timing of timing of the policy saying

”We have a problem we are facing in this country today.

“Our rating as a party is not that favorable. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Must it be now that we will have this financial policy?

“How? Fuel and everything? Things are not easy. This policy is not right at this time. It should be reversed. Reserve it and tell CBN that we are reversing it. Let old and new notes co-exist.

“Okada, taxis, banks are not taking old notes again. There is an injunction and everyone is behaving like there is no injunction.

“We have said that this man (CBN Governor) should be removed when he contested to be President. The man is not fit for that position. A man who attempted to be President will frustrate us at this time.”

Governor Akeredolu commended Seyi Tinubu and his team for the rigorous campaign embarked upon for the success of the APC.

While appreciating the youths in the party for their relentless efforts, the Governor revealed that youth will determine the outcome of the next week Presidential election.

“Your demographic shows that you occupy a larger percentage. You are the ones that will talk to yourself.”

Akeredolu pointed out that the choice of the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was premised on informed decisions based on his competence and track record.

“We didn’t waver when we said that the Presidency must come to the South. And when it got to the south, we didn’t waver when we said competence and track record are important.

“Our choice of Asiwaju was premised on informed decision not because we are from the same tribe.”

He further commended the State Youth Leader of the party, Ayo Olawande Wisdom for running the youth department of the party effectively.

Earlier, Seyi Tinubu appreciated the Governor for his commitment to youth development and inclusion.

“We have come to seek your approval to add to what you have done in the state already in terms of campaign. We will be in Ondo for the next two days to meet with the youths.

“Thank you for all you have been doing for Ondo and Nigeria. Most especially for young Nigerians and youths in the state. With the work you have done , we know Asiwaju has no worries in Ondo State.”