On the currency redesign: we support the policy, and we insist on the rule of law

We threw our full weight behind the Central Bank of Nigeria's currency redesign policy, and we urged Nigerians to be patient with its implementation.

We supported the policy for what it set out to do: strengthen the integrity of the currency in circulation. Reforms of this scale always carry short-term pain, and we asked Nigerians to bear with the process while the gains materialised.

But support for a policy is not a blank cheque for how it is executed. At the same time, we insisted — and we insist — that all parties respect the rule of law. Court orders must be obeyed. Institutions must act within their powers. Policy goals, however worthy, never justify lawlessness in execution.

That is our consistent standard: reform and legality must travel together. We hold every government to it, including on policies we support.

(Context: our position as reported by The Sun, 13 February 2023.)