The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described the recent litigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against naira abuse as a misplaced priority.
According to him, the practice of spraying money is more cultural to the Yoruba and Igbo.
“There is a cultural spirit in Yoruba that forces you to spend money uncontrollably at your exciting moment. I’m sure the spirit will be tamed when people have public knowledge of possible penalties for naira abuse. The commission should not place cart before the horse,” Oluwo said in a statement on Wednesday by his press secretary, Alli Ibrahim.
He advised the operatives of the EFCC to conduct comprehensive enlightenments for Nigerians on naira handling before enforcing penalties.
He asked EFCC to exercise caution and redirect their efforts to public enlightenment on naira handlings and impending punishment for offenders.
He, however, commended the commission on its efforts in recovering stolen funds.
The monarch states: “The recent litigations by the EFCC against naira abuse is a misplaced priority. The practice of spraying money is more cultural to the Yorubas and Igbos. There is a cultural spirit in Yoruba that forces you to spend money uncontrollably at your exciting moment. I’m sure the spirit will be tamed when people have public knowledge of possible penalties for naira abuse. The commission should not place cart before the horse”
“EFCC should device both print and electronic media to enlight the public on those acts constituting naira abuse and spell out penalties. The public knowledge will unavoidably caution individuals and empower the commission to identify and punish arrogant naira abusers”.
The royal father sought capital punishment for corrupt officials.
