Falana tasks CBN to obey Supreme Court’s ex parte order

• ICAN urges calm, tasks CBN on making new currency available • Depositors’ money with banks 100% safe, NDIC assures • Psychiatrists: Naira scarcity affecting mental health of Nigerians As the debate rages on over the status of today’s deadline on cash swap policy owing to the injunction granted by the Supreme Court on Wednesday and Federal Government’s objection to the order, the interim chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Femi Falana (SAN), yesterday, explained why CBN must comply with the Supreme Court order. In a statement, Falana said his speaking up became imperative, because there are reports suggesting that CBN has decided that it will not follow the injunctions of the apex court. According to the Senior Advocate, such a move will be nothing, but a contemptuous disregard for the rule of law. Taking a look at the technicalities of the case, which the CBN management is holding on to, to ignore the court order, the legal luminary gave reasons CBN will not disregard the Supreme Court, citing cases that give greater context to the matter on ground. He said: “The reason adduced for the contemptuous disregard for the rule of law is that CBN is not a party to the case pending at the Supreme Court. It is pertinent to remind the CBN management that in the case of Incorporated Trustees of the Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors. (Suit No: FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022), the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted an injunction restraining the State Security Services from arresting, investigating and prosecuting Emefiele for terrorism financing. Although he was not a party to the suit, Emefiele has not been arrested on the basis of the court order. “Therefore, it is height of arrogance of power for Emefiele to treat the ex parte of the Supreme Court with provocative contempt. In view of the looming anarchy in the country, we are compelled to draw the attention of the Central Bank Management to the case of Attorney-General of Lagos