No Going Back On Naira Notes Redesign – Buhari

• Predicts victory for Tinubu in next year’s polls
• Meets King Charles III at Buckingham Palace

Despite the concerns expressed in some circles, President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed that there is no going back on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s plan to redesign the N1000, N500, and N200 Naira notes as part of its measures to curb the rising inflation in the country.

According to the President, he fully aligns with the explanation by the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele that the policy will also reflate the economy for the overall good of the country and Nigerians in general.

Speaking with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in London, United Kingdom (UK) where he is currently undergoing a routine medical check-up, President Buhari foreclosed any move to reconsider the decision, saying the window given is long enough for Nigerians to return their cash to the banks before last day of the year.

The President, who departed Nigeria to London on October 31, 2022, and is expected back in a matter of days, further said; “The Governor of the Central Bank convinced me that there is a need to change it and I agree with him.

“Time has been given from October to December 31. Three months is enough for whatever money you have to get it changed through a legal system. So, I don’t know why people are complaining about it. There’s no going back. No, no going back.”

On the chances of All Progressives Congress (APC) winning the 2023 presidential election, he said the Party’s presidential flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is running on his record as a two-term governor between 1999 and 2007, whose achievements are verifiable.

“What are the chances of my party winning the election? We are going to the elections. Tinubu, the presidential candidate, is a very well-known politician in the country.

“He (Tinubu) was a two-term governor in his state, Lagos; resource-wise, the most resourceful state, and the most visited state. So, I think the party was lucky to get him to accept to be its candidate.”

The President, who chairs the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), described Tinubu as a politician of note, with credible track records to show over the years, and urged Nigerians to support the APC to retain power at the centre come 2023.

Restating his commitment and resolve to conduct a free and fair election next year, President Buhari assured that every step would be taken to prevent moneybags from importing money outside the system to manipulate and compromise the electoral process.

“My aim is to make sure that Nigerians believe that we respect them as an administration. So, Nigerians should vote for whoever they like, from whichever party.

“Nobody will be allowed to mobilise resources and thugs to intimidate people in any constituency. This is what I want to go down into Nigeria’s history for me as a leader.”

The President, who also spoke about his medical vacation, said there was no major health challenge other than the regular checks on his eyes and teeth, explaining that he has been patronising the London facility since 1978.

“It went very well. My problem has been my eyes and my teeth and they’ve been looking after me since 1978. So, this is my only attachment here”, he said

When asked how healthy is Mr president? Buhari replied; “I’m very healthy”.

Meets King Charles III At Buckingham Palace

The President also met with the British monarch, King Charles III, at Buckingham Palace, London with his Special Assistant on Digital and New Media, Tolu Ogunlesi, posting the photographs of Buhari with his host to confirm the meeting.

In a tweet on his verified Twitter handle @toluogunlesi, the presidential aide said; “President @MBuhari today met with His Royal Majesty King Charles III, at Buckingham Palace.”