Stories Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
The usual defacing and rough handling of the Nigerian currency is now over as the Central Bank of Nigeria has set its machineries to arrest and persecute perpetrators of the illegality.
This is in line with the CBN Act which makes it an offense for anybody to be caught tearing the currency, writing on its face, dancing on the money or throwing it around. According to the Act, anybody arrested would be prosecuted and sent to jail even after paying a mandatory fine of N50,000.00.
The Director of Corporate Communications for the CBN, Mr. Issac Okorafor disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri during a one day interactive session with stakeholders and labour leaders in the state.
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He described the Nigerian currency as a symbol of sovereignty, adding that the way the currency is usually rough handled by Nigerians is not good for the country.
Okorafor disclosed that already some offenders have been arrested and they are undergoing trial in competent courts in the country.
He hinted that CBN has also set out standard notes with the intention to replace already worn-out ones.
He used the forum to advice Nigerian who have worn out currencies to take them to their nearest bank for replacement, warning that if the banks refuse the exchange, such bank should be reported to the CBN for appropriate action.
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According to him, banks across the country have been given three months between the months of June and September within which to change the old and worn out currencies.
On the issue of bailout funds being structured by CBN for state governments, Okorafor said that the fund was structured in the form of long term loans, and that beneficiary states would pay back at a later date.
He said that CBN created such environment to enable states pay their workers because of the recession that almost beclouded the country then.
The purpose, he said, was to enable workers to earn a decent living and refloat the economy.
Speaking on the purpose of the interactive enlightenment programme organized by CBN, Okorafor said that the emphasis was to educate Nigerians who have the energy for work but lack the finance to unleash it.
He enumerated some of the skills which the CBN is anchoring to include production of cottons, textiles, palm oil, creative industry, software apps making, film making, movies and music production etc.
He said that CBN organized the programme to enable Nigerians obtain finance to unleash and unlock their vision to conquer the world, while also keeping the youths busy and away from violence, banditry among others.