Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria direction to commercial banks to accept and dispense the old naira notes, Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara states have finalized plans to launch contempt proceedings against the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.
According to The PUNCH, this was disclosed by the lead counsel for the three states, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, SAN, on Thursday.
He stated that the CBN’s press announcement instructing banks to accept old naira notes was merely a ruse to provide the appearance of compliance.
The senior lawyer said that he had received orders from his clients to launch contempt actions against the AGF and the CBN governor.
He stated, “The press release made by the Central Bank of Nigeria is just a mere camouflage just to give an impression of compliance. There is nothing like that. And our clients, Kaduna, Kogi, Zamfara, and states have told us that we should go on with the already initiated contempt of proceedings against the Attorney General and the Central Bank Governor.
“The decision of the Supreme Court has not been complied with. They are in contempt of court. We are going to reactivate the already-initiated contempt proceedings. There is a legal process around it.”
On when Nigerians should expect the proceeding to commence, he said, “There is a legal process around it; over time you are going to see it. I can confirm to you that we have a clear mandate for our clients to proceed with the already initiated contempt proceedings because it is clear to all and sundry that the CBN is just playing pranks.
“They are not sincere. And they are acting as if they are above the law. The constitution is clear that all organs and everybody must ensure that the decision of the Supreme Court is enforced,” he added.