The All Progressives Congress candidate in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, may face a six-month jail term under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007. A group of civil society organizations accused him of misusing the Nigerian currency, the naira.
The coalition filed a complaint with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against Okpebholo in a petition dated May 2, 2024, and addressed to the EFCC chairman.
The petition was signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Victor Kalu, and National Secretary, Ali Abacha.
The coalition alleged that the senator violated the CBN Act of 2007 by misusing and damaging the naira, which is considered a punishable offense.
The coalition expressed disappointment with prominent individuals, including lawmakers, for breaking the CBN Act.
The coalition praised the EFCC for swiftly arresting and charging individuals caught on video misusing and defacing the naira at social events. They mentioned the cases of Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarewaju, also known as Bobrisky, and Mr. Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, who faced legal consequences for their actions.
The coalition commended the EFCC’s actions and demanded that all individuals seen in viral videos misusing the naira be promptly arrested and prosecuted.
They urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to investigate the viral video involving Senator Monday Okpebholo misusing and damaging the naira.
They stated that Okpebholo, as a representative of the people, should be held responsible for his actions.
However, they warned that if the viral video involving Okpebholo is not addressed, the coalition will take further action.
They threatened to mobilize their members, supporters, and democracy advocates for a peaceful protest against the EFCC if the viral video involving Okpebholo is not addressed, citing selective action and bias.
In response, the senator denied the allegation, calling it false.
Okpebholo released a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, describing the allegation as an attempt to tarnish his image ahead of the September governorship election.
He blamed his detractors and the opposition for the smear campaign.
He emphasized that he has never been arrested for any civil or criminal offense and insisted that the person in the circulating video is not him.
He stated, “I have never misused or damaged the naira in my over 50 years on earth. It surprises me that these individuals would spread false news to tarnish my image before the election. I urge the IGP to investigate the people behind the petition and prosecute them.
“They are searching for untrue information and things that do not exist to threaten me and deceive the people of Edo. Unfortunately, we know their intentions. They are already sensing that they will lose. The people of Edo have already made up their minds, and no amount of intimidation from the government will be effective.
“The APC government led by President Bola Tinubu is making progress in Edo State. The national government is repairing federal roads in Edo Central, Edo North, and Edo South. This is why the people of Edo should support the APC and vote for me as the next governor of Edo State. We will bring the national government closer to the people of Edo. We have been separated for too long, and it's time to put an end to that alienation.”
