The Jigawa State Government has appeared before the supreme Court, appealing to the Apex Court to determine whether the implementation of demonetization of N200, 500 and N1000 and and cash withdrawal limit on individuals and corporate bodies can in the spirit of federalism be made without presenting the policies for deliberations before the federal executive council and national economic council.
In a statement to Radio Nigeria in Dutse by the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of justice Zainab Baba Santali explained that the Attorney General of the State Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu had on 15th February 2023, appeared before the Supreme Court of Justice in Abuja on behalf of the Jigawa State government.
She explained that the State Government wanted the supreme court to determine whether the ban was in line with sections 4 and 36 (12) of the Constitution as amended.
According to her, the people of the State have been faced with hardships on business activities and means of livelihood.
Zainab Baba Santali said, this as a result of failure to comply with due process before formulation and implementation of the policies.
She said, the Attorney General of the State, the plaintiff in the suit, as the Chief Law Officer commenced the action by way of an Originating Summons, dated the 13th day of February 2023 and filed 14th day of February 2023 at the Supreme Court Registry, Abuja, against the Federal Government by challenging the policies.
She said, the Attorney-General further prayed for the apex court inter-alia to make an order restraining the federal government of nigeria from implementing the demonetization policy until due process is complied with.
Zainab Baba Santali added that, the Jigawa government seeks redress, to allow the old N200, N500 and N1000 denominations to remain valid legal tender at their face value for the payment of any amount in Nigeria, and further reverse the cash withdrawal limit placed on individual and corporate accounts.
Santali noted that, It is also part of the reliefs for the apex court to nullify the NFIU advisory circular banning cash withdrawal from government accounts for being null and void.
She noted that, the Court had adjourned their case and of other States to Wednesday, 22nd February 2023, for a hearing.
COV/USMAN MZ
