Tobias Sylvester
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has accused the first lady, Aisha Buhari, of spreading fake news against her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari.
Aisha had taken to her Facebook and Instagram pages to announce that President Buhari had ordered the CBN to reissue the old N200, N500, and N1000 naira notes.
The first lady shared a press release allegedly issued by the CBN’s Director of Communications, Osita Nwanisobi, extending the use of the old notes for 70 days up to May 1, 2023.
The alleged statement stated that the CBN gave the directive on Tuesday, February 21 after a meeting with President Buhari due to the naira scarcity in the country.
“Due to the current and unpleasant situation happening in Nigeria, In line with Mr. President. After having a closed meeting with him on the 20th of February, 2023, Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) has been directed to ONLY reissue and recirculate the old N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 70 days up to May 1, 2023.
“Members of the public should therefore continue to spend the old notes. Media practitioners are advised to PLEASE spread out this helpful information to the public,” the statement reads.
CBN Denies Receiving Order To Reissue Old Naira Notes
However, in a swift response, the CBN denied receiving any presidential order on the matter and described the statement shared by the first lady as fake news.
“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to some fake and unauthorized messages quoting the CBN as having authorized the Deposit Money Banks to collect the old N500 and N1,000 Banknotes. For the avoidance of doubt, and in line with Mr. President’s broadcast of February 16, 2023, the CBN has been directed to ONLY reissue and recirculate the old N200 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10, 2023.”
“Members of the public should therefore disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the Central Bank of Nigeria on this subject.”
“Media practitioners are advised to PLEASE verify any information from the correct sources before publication,” the CBN wrote.
PLEASE BE WARY OF FAKE NEWS! pic.twitter.com/EZc6ygua3u
— Central Bank of Nigeria (@cenbank) February 21, 2023
This comes just four days after the CBN also denied ordering banks to collect the old N500 and N1,000 notes from customers and members of the public
