The Nigerian military has warned that it will not allow criminals to take advantage of the money that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released back into the system.
The Military also called those advocating for an interim government “mischievous,” adding that their demands were unconstitutional.
Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, of Defence Media Operations, stated the military’s position on Thursday in Abuja while fielding questions from journalists following the bi-weekly press briefing update on the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria operations between March 23 and April 6, 2023.
On the resurgence of criminal acts such as kidnapping following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) reintroduction of cash into circulation, Gen. Danmadami warned that the troops are ready to combat the criminals and warned such individuals to desist.
I don’t want to say categorically clear but we are all aware that before the cash crunch, they kidnap anybody, but now there is no cash to pay, the criminals have to make use of the fact that there is no cash.
Unfortunately, with the reversal of the policy making cash available, the criminals have impetus to do what they are doing. Though, I know that there are still some elements of cash squeeze going on. We are equally faced with that problem of cash crunch.
However, I want to assure you that the Military, we are still doing our job, we have not rested, Danmadami told journalists at the briefing.
On the interim government saga, he said just as the presidency has made it clear that there is no provision for an interim government, the military also reiterates that it won’t support calls for an interim government because it is against the constitution.
On the issue of interim government, it is rather unfortunate, an election has been conducted and INEC, who is mandated, has announced a president-elect, it is not our responsibility to speak on that issue, Danmadami said.
He added that;
But I know that several calls have been made from the Presidency that there is nothing like an interim national government. So, I think people were just trying to be mischievous, it is unconstitutional.
And all of us know that the constitution does not provide for an interim national government and that is the point the Presidency has been hammering on, and that is our stand because that is what the constitution says, it is unconstitutional. So, anything unconstitutional as far as I’m concerned, is not applicable.
According to the military official, the armed forces are prepared to provide all necessary support in the two states where the governorship election was declared inconclusive.
In general, he assured that the military is still working around the clock to ensure the country’s peace and security.
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