There was gridlock on the Mbiama-Yenagoa Road in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Friday, as some residents took to the streets to peacefully protest against the rejection of the old N1000 and N500 notes by traders, transporters, some banks and filling stations in the state.
The protesters lamented that the refusal to accept the old N1000 and N500 notes was a disobedience to the judgement of the Supreme Court, which directed that the old naira notes should circulate alongside the new ones till December 31, 2023.
The residents, who carried placards, blocked the Akenfa section of the Mbiama-Yenagoa Road during the protest.
As a result of the demonstration, many commuters trekked long distances while some drivers made detours.
The protesters called on the Federal Government and the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to intervene and ensure that the old naira notes are accepted for transaction.
A protester, who gave her name as Rebecca Izibeya said “traders and transporters are frustrating people in this town by not collecting the old N500 and N1000. They have no reason to reject the old naira notes because the Supreme Court said they remain legal tender.”
Another participant, Oyintari Cosmos, said he was fed up with the rejection of the old naira notes since the apex court delivered the verdict.
He said, “From what I know, nobody is supposed to go against the judgement of the Supreme Court. Everybody is supposed to obey the Supreme Court and accept the old N1000 and N500 notes.
“But surprisingly in Yenagoa, some traders and Keke riders, even some banks, filling stations, eateries and supermarkets are rejecting them (the old naira notes). It is wrong and unacceptable. I don’t know what is wrong with us Nigerians.”
