Fuel Scarcity, Naira Redesign Policy Have Affected APC Ratings—Akeredolu

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has lamented that the fuel scarcity and the Naira redesign policy have affected the ratings of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Akeredolu said this on Tuesday evening when he received members of the Youth Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) led by Mr Seyi Tinubu, son of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Bola Tinubu.

He, therefore, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, to reverse the naira redesign policy now.

According to him, the new and old notes should be allowed to co-exist, noting that despite an existing court injunction, the old notes seem to have ceased to be legal tender in the country.

He faulted the timing of the policy, stating that it is ill-timed

“We have a problem we are facing in this country today. Our rating as a party is not that favourable. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Must it be now that we will have this financial policy?

“How? Fuel and everything? Things are not easy. This policy is not right at this time. It should be reversed. Reserve it and tell CBN that we are reversing it. Let old, and new notes co-exist.

“Okada, taxis, banks are not taking old notes again. There is an injunction, and everyone is behaving like there is no injunction. We had said that this man (CBN Governor) should be removed when he contested to be President.

“The man is not fit for that position. A man who attempted to be President will frustrate us at this time,” Mr Akeredolu was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Richard Olatunde.

The Governor commended Mr Tinubu and his team for the rigorous campaign embarked upon for the success of the APC.

While appreciating the youths in the party for their relentless efforts, the Governor revealed that youth would determine the outcome of the next week’s presidential election.

“Your demographic shows that you occupy a larger percentage. You are the ones that will talk to yourself,” he said.

He explained that the choice of the party’s presidential candidate was premised on informed decisions based on his competence and track record.

“We didn’t waver when we said that the Presidency must come to the South. And when it got to the south, we didn’t waver when we said competence and track record are important. Our choice of Asiwaju was premised on the informed decision, not because we are from the same tribe,” Governor Akeredolu said.

He further commended the State Youth Leader of the party, Mr Ayo Olawande Wisdom, for running the youth department of the party effectively.

Earlier, Mr Tinubu appreciated the Governor for his commitment to youth development and inclusion.

“We have come to seek your approval to add to what you have done in the state already in terms of the campaign. We will be in Ondo for the next two days to meet with the youths.

“Thank you for all you have been doing for Ondo and Nigeria. Most especially for young Nigerians and youths in the state. With the work you have done, we know Asiwaju has no worries in Ondo State,” he said.