The cash crunch in the country has caused a major problem in the oil rich state of Bayelsa on Friday when residents took to the streets to protest the non-acceptance of the old naira notes for business transactions.
There was traffic gridlock on the Mbiama-Yenagoa road in the Bayelsa State capital as some residents peacefully protested against the rejection of the old N1000 and N500 notes by traders, transporters, banks and filling stations across the state.
According to the report, the protesters lamented that the refusal to accept the old N1000 and N500 notes was a disobedience to the Supreme Court judgment, which directed that the old naira notes should circulate alongside the new ones till December 31, 2023.
The placards carrying residents blocked the Akenfa section of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road, as a result many commuters’ trekked long distances while some drivers made detours.
The aggrieved protesters called on the Federal Government and the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to intervene and ensure that the old naira notes are accepted for transactions in the state.
Rebecca Izibeya, one of the protesters said, “Traders and transporters are frustrating people in this town by not collecting the old N500 and N1000 naira notes. They have no reason to reject the old naira notes because the Supreme Court said they remain legal tender.”
Another protester, Oyintari Cosmos, said that he was fed up with the rejection of the old naira notes since the apex court delivered the judgment.
Oyintari said, “From what I know, nobody is supposed to go against the judgment of the Supreme Court. Everybody is supposed to obey the Supreme Court and accept the old N1000 and N500 notes.
“But surprisingly in Yenagoa, some traders and keke (another name for three cycle) riders, even some banks, filling stations, eateries and supermarkets are rejecting the old naira notes. It is wrong and unacceptable. I don’t know what is wrong with us, Nigerians,” he added.
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