Focus on electronic transactions, ex-presidential aspirant tells FG

A former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in the 2019 elections, Chief Charles Udeogaranya, on Monday, warned the Federal Government not to proceed with the new naira notes before the 2023 general election.

Udeogaranya, who gave the warning in a statement issued in Abuja, said the move was necessary if the nation planned to avert the impending danger and destructive impact it might have on the integrity of the elections.

According to him, politicians will bribe bank officials to mop up the new currencies and may not release them until the eve of the elections for vote buying.

A worried Udeogaranya disclosed that such unethical practice would defeat the purpose of the new naira project and make the 2023 general elections an exercise in futility.

He said, “I think the Federal Government should rather use the opportunity to further encourage Nigerians to participate more on the electronic transaction platforms and boost all necessary infrastructures that supports electronic transactions.”

The former APC chieftain also noted that Nigerians, who brought old notes before stipulated deadline, should only have their accounts credited with same value and without an option of cash withdrawals, exceeding N10,000 until after the 2023 general election.

This is even as he urged the government to restrict collation of taxes, revenues, transport and all other levies restricted to electronic platforms until after the 2023 general elections.

He concluded, “The inability of Nigerians to vote their conscience in the electoral system is the primary reason politicians do not hold any regard to Nigerians or the needs of the people, after buying their way into government house.”