- says policy designed to cripple politicians
By Bukola Olasanmi
Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa has said the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cash withdrawal limits might seriously affect the 2023 general elections as it is a purely political move.
Bulkachuwa, who is the Senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, expressed this concern while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
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Recall that the CBN, in early December, had placed maximum daily withdrawals via Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point Of Sale (PoS) terminals at N20,000 per day following the launching of the redesigned N200, N500 and N1,000 notes.
The policy also mandated banks to ensure that weekly over-the-counter (OTC) cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities do not exceed N100,000 and N500,000, respectively.
However, Bulkachuwa has questioned the apex bank’s policy, saying it is political.
He said, “It looks so (political) even if they say it is not because I have never been in a situation whereby during elections and electioneering campaigns where people are subjected to a situation where they cannot even buy fuel for the cars they take on campaigns.
“So, how do you reason that it will not affect the elections or how do you explain that it has nothing to do with the elections?”
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Earlier, The QUEST TIMES, did an exclusive report that politicians particularly governors, have attempted to use the Governors Forum to persuade President Buhari to direct the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to rescind the policy as it would affect the outcome of the 2023 elections.
The report noted that some desperate politicians to buy votes and pay for sundry and sensitive services during the campaign period will be truncated by the new directives.