A coalition of civil society organisations known as Network of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate a viral video featuring the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, allegedly abusing naira notes.
The call is contained in a petition addressed to the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukukayode, and signed by the national coordinator and secretary of the coalition, Victor Kalu and Ali Abacha respectively.
According to the coalition, Mr Okpebholo should be investigated for violating the CBN Act of 2007 which criminalises naira abuse and mutilation.
The coalition expressed its disappointment that influential individuals, including lawmakers, have been abusing the naira without recourse to the CBN Act.
The group, however, commended the anti-graft agency 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”.
They also emphasised the importance of holding the Senator accountable for his actions as a public figure representing the people.
But reacting to the allegations, the governorship candidate said he has never abused the naira.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Okpebholo said the allegations are a mere attempt to tarnish his reputation prior to the upcoming September gubernatorial election.
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.”
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines