Alleged Abuse Of Naira: Group Seeks Prosecution Of Edo APC Gov’ship Candidate
FOR alleged abuse of the Naira, the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the prosecution of the All Progressives Congres (APC) Edo State governorship candidate in the 21 September 2024 election, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The group’s petition was dated 2nd May 2024, signed by its National Coordinator, Victor Kalu, and National Secretary, Ali Abacha and addressed to the Chairman of the Commission. The coalition proclaimed the senator guilty of the offence of Naira abuse and mutilation, citing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 which declares such actions as a punishable offence.
The coalition said it is “disappointing that prominent individuals, including lawmakers, have violated this provision of the CBN Act.”
The group commended the EFCC for its “swift response in arresting and charging individuals who have been caught on viral videos abusing and defacing the Naira at social events such as the cases of Mr Okuneye Idris Olarewaju (popularly known as Bobrisky), and Mr Pascal Okechukwu (also known as Cubana Chief Priest) who have faced legal consequences for their actions.”
While praising the anti-graft agency for these actions, the coalition requested that all individuals captured in viral videos abusing the Naira should be promptly arrested and brought to justice, as no one is above the law.
They called on the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to investigate the “viral video involving Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was seen engaging in Naira abuse and mutilation.”
They added that Senator Okpebholo, who presently represents Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, should be held accountable for his actions as a representative of the people.
They, however, warned that failure to address the viral video involving Senator Okpebholo may result in the coalition taking further actions.
They threatened to mobilise their members, supporters, and democracy advocates for a peaceful protest against the EFCC, citing selective action and bias if the EFCC fails to address the viral video involving Senator Okpebholo.
Meanwhile, Senator Okpebholo has discountenanced the allegation, insisting it was false. The senator, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, described the allegation as a hatchet job targeted at smearing his image ahead of the September governorship election. He blamed his detractors and the opposition camp as being the brain behind the campaign of calumny.
While stressing that he has never been arrested by the police for any civil or criminal offence, the lawmaker insisted that the man in the video circulating on social media was not him.
He said, “As a private and public person, I have never sprayed or mutilated the Naira in my over 50 years on earth. It baffles me why these agents will fabricate fake news to tarnish my image ahead of the election. I therefore called on the IGP to investigate the faces behind the petition and prosecute them accordingly.
“They are scouting for fake news and non-existent things to blackmail me and lie to Edo people. Unfortunately, we know what they are up to. They are smelling the defeat already. Edo people have already decided, and no amount of state-sponsored intimidation will work.
“In Edo State, President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration is working. The federal government is reconstructing federal roads in Edo Central, Edo North, and Edo South. That is why Edo people must take sides with the APC and vote for me as the next governor of Edo State. We will bring the federal government closer to the Edo people. We have been isolated for too long, and it is time to end that alienation.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media
