Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday, has ordered the swift arrest of his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.
The governor claimed that Oshiomhole was mobilising thugs to vandalise banks and disrupt the peace of the state under the guise of protesting the new naira scarcity.
The governor gave the order on Wednesday through the state’s commissioner for communication and orientation, Chris Nehikhare.
“We have been around the city all day, speaking with some of the protesters and we have done our investigations. We discovered that it is more than meets the eye,” said Mr Nehikhare.
“At this juncture, we will like to call on security agencies to call Adams Oshiomhole for questioning. He should be arrested and made to account for his movement in the last few days especially here in Benin City.
“Oshiomhole deliberately instigated the protest of the people,” the commissioner said.
“I know people will think the protest is as a result of lack of naira notes but even if that is the case, Nigerians should know which political party is involved because it is ironic the political party that is responsible for this policy is the same party sending people to destroy PDP billboards,” the commissioner added.
Many Nigerians are currently unable to obtain the new N200, N500, and N1,000 notes, resulting in hardship and suffering in the country.
This led the youths in various parts of the country to stage protest against the development.
Oshiomole in an interview on Channels TV had said the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele deceived President Muhamadu Buhari that the naira redesign policy will curb vote buying during the elections.
Oshiomhole described the policy as “senseless”, saying the decision was taken without any consultation with the government.
He said the absence of wisdom in the implementation of the policy is making vulnerable Nigerians spend days at ATM outlets to withdraw money.
The former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accused the CBN governor of deceiving the president that the policy would curb corrupt practices during February and March polls.
“There was no consultation, not even within the government, at least the minister of finance cried out and she warned that there could be economic consequences arising from this decision,” Oshiomhole said.
Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had secured the ticket of the party to contest for Edo north senatorial seat.
