The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in Zamfara State, Junaidu Aminu has condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to extend the validity of only old 200 naira notes by 60 days, pointing out that the action was contempt of court.
Aminu on Thursday told newsmen that Buhari’s action was not constitutional and was contempt of the court, lamenting that the action was sub-juiced and is already before the court.
He said the Supreme court, being the apex court in Nigeria gave an interlocutory injunction restraining the AG and the Federal Government from taking further action on the Naira redesign.
“The Supreme Court has issued an interim injunction for stopping the implementation of the CBN’s policies for the swap of the Naira notes and that order is so direct that there is no ambiguity in it”
“The order is so direct that it does not need any interpretation”.
“This order explained that the policy has been suspended pending the determination of the substantive suit, not even the motion”
“As long as that motion is pending before the court of law, nobody no matter his or her position can implement that policy”
“According to the court, the policy should be suspended, which means the new and old Naira notes should continue to be used in the country but the President is now saying that only N200 note should remain a legal tender”.
Aminu said since President Buhari has an immunity cover, he could not be arrested and brought to court for contempt.
“You cannot institute a criminal or civil proceeding against him”.
“We are, however, waiting as there are still some days to the ruling of the court”
He further explained that the Zamfara State government has already filed a motion, informing the court that the AGF and President Muhammadu Buhari did not comply with the court’s order.
The State Attorney General said the case could not continue as some States have joined in the suit.
“Many states have already joined in the case, as such our motion can’t be heard for now”