By Marcus Ikechukwu
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has nullified the Federal Government’s cashless and Naira re-design policy, insisting that it is an affront to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In delivering its judgement on Friday, the Apex Court held that President Muhammadu Buhari breached the Constitution of the Federation in the ways and manners he issued directives for the re-designing of the Naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, who read the lead judgment of the Court, held that the President acted Ultra vires by his glaring failure to consult with the National Council of States, Federal Executive Council FEC and the National Economic Council NEC before directing the Central Bank of Nigeria to unlawfully introduce new Naira notes.
He held that the unconstitutional use of powers by President Buhari on Naira Re-designing breached the fundamental rights of the Nigerian citizens in various ways.
The Apex Court said such use of powers by President Buhari is not permitted under democracy and in a plural society like the Nigerian nation.
The Supreme Court also held that the unlawful use of executive powers by the President inflicted unprecedented economic hardship on the citizens by denying them ownership of their monies and access to the money.
