Wellcare, a well-known store, has been closed by the Kano State Government’s Consumer Protection Council because it wouldn’t take old Naira notes.
The supermarket was shut down shortly after Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje issued the order, according to Baffa Babba Danagundi, the acting chairman of the council, who was speaking to press on Sunday, February 12.
Legal action will be taken against the supermarket, claims Danagundi.
He said that WellCare Supermarket’s unwillingness to accept old naira notes from consumers in defiance of the state government’s directive led to the closure order.
The state government has not outlawed the use of old Naira notes, thus any shop caught not receiving the old notes will face harsh punishment, he cautioned fellow merchants in Kano.
Wellcare Alliance Limited sent a letter of regret to the government soon after the supermarket was shut down, pleading for quick action to reopen it.
We misinformed our personnel that only the newly approved Naira Notes are to be in circulation starting on February 10, 2023 because of federal government regulation regarding the New Naira Notes. Reads the letter.
After thorough research with our bankers, they denied to accept old Naira Notes on our behalf despite the fact that everyone was unaware of the state’s policy that the old notes should be in circulation.
We sincerely apologize for our actions and regret any inconvenience we may have caused the state as a result of them. We humbly request that our company be reopened for the benefit of deserving members of the public and pledge to accept old notes as acceptable tender when the state provides an alternative order. Please accept our sympathies and sincere regrets.
On Thursday, February 9, the Kano State Government sued the federal government over the redesign of the naira.
The Kano State Attorney General requested that the Supreme Court rule that the President of Nigeria cannot unilaterally order the Central Bank of Nigeria to recall the new N200, N500, and N500 old Bank notes without first consulting the Federal Executive Council and National Economic Council in a case with the case number SC/CS/200/2023.
The government of Kano state requested a mandatory order in an effort to overturn the federal government’s decision to remove the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes from circulation because it would negatively impact the financial situation of more than 20 million of its residents.
The applicant also requested a required injunction for the Federal Government to change its stance on the redesign of the Naira due to claimed violations of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution (as amended).