The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) on Sunday condemned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele for introducing the cashless policy in the country at this time.
Sagay wondered why the All Progressives Congress (APC) would allow Emefiele to implement the policy, adding that it would make the party unpopular.
He further stated that hardship is being created under APC and the election is around the corner.
Sagay said Emefiele may be a mole from another party trying to create hatred for the APC.
He stated this in a chat with Daily Independent about the cashless policy introduced by the CBN.
Sagay said, “I am even angry that this government allows him to do that because it will make the APC unpopular. This hardship is being created under an APC government and the election is just around the corner.
“I think Emefiele may be a mole from another party trying to create hatred for the APC. I don’t understand why he should bring this policy at this time when we are just a few days before the general election.
“I don’t understand why this government should accept such a recommendation which is most unfavourable to them and their political chances in the forthcoming elections. For me, the whole thing is a disaster.”
He added that the developed countries Emefiele is trying to imitate are still using cash.
Sagay noted, “I think the whole thing (cashless policy) is a disaster. I don’t like people trying to show off that they are very modern. You are introducing a cashless policy bla la bla, you want to be like America. In America, they are still using cash. I was there this year. I used cash on many occasions.
“So, nobody is forcing you to adopt a cashless policy. It is the African man that wants to imitate and he does that in a very ignorant and uncivilised manner. Why is Emefiele trying to force people? Why is he putting a deadline on the usage of the old currency?
“The deadline is almost here now yet the new currency is not available. I have been withdrawing money and all I’m getting are the old notes.
“Why should he even tell me how much to withdraw from my own money? If I find the electronic transfer more convenient, I will adopt it without anyone mounting pressure on me to do so.
“For example, I have an ATM card now because it is convenient for me to use. It is a matter of convenience, not the usage of force. Africans tend to imitate in a brutish manner, using force without providing the facility that will make what they want to do possible. By doing so, they inflict hardship on societies.
“If we are not careful, this CBN policy can create an economic disaster for this country”.