The Elusive Naira notes

Governments guided by accountability, responsibility and transparency have always been constant never to retain card-carrying party members who aspired to political positions but failed to emerge victorious in sensitive positions. Such party members, if allowed to continue in such public offices, would bring to bear their partisanship. Sadly, high standards have been eroded. Interestingly, the expectation of Nigerians is that the newly redesigned 200, 500 and 1,000 Naira notes will be made available for everyone through the banking system. Although the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has insisted that the new naira notes are in abundant supply to the commercial banks, the experience of Nigerians in banking halls, ATM machine points and P.O.S shops has proved the contrary. Much as the commercial banks would wish to comply with the directive of the apex bank to make the new notes available, the old notes have been, up till this moment, still being dispensed. Indeed, if there is no hidden motive in fixing the deadline for the withdrawal of the old notes, which is 31st January, the reasonable and rational step to take ought to be for the old notes to circulate side by side with the new ones, until the former is withdrawn. However, the desperation and hurried actions of the apex bank to withdraw the old notes suggests that there is more to it than meets the eyes. Unfolding events in urban, and most especially rural areas indicate that the CBN would have not option but to extend the deadline; only if it is sensitive to the plight of Nigerians. 2023 and Beyond The daily occurrence of violent crimes, the sorry state of electricity supply and the lingering fuel scarcity in Nigeria are enough advice for the electorate to determine the next crop of leaders in 2023 and beyond. Perhaps