Arabic INSCRIPTION On Naira Notes!!! SEE What Was Announced As Court Makes Shocking Decision Against Suit- Details Below
On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a lawsuit seeking the removal of Arabic inscriptions from naira notes. Justice Yellin Bogoro ruled that the plaintiff, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo, a Lagos-based lawyer, failed to prove that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) used Arabic inscriptions in bad faith..
Chief Omirhobo filed the suit in 2020, arguing that the Arabic inscriptions portrayed Nigeria as an Islamic state, contrary to its constitutional status as a secular nation. He claimed ignorance of the meaning of the inscriptions and requested that they be replaced with English, Nigeria’ s official language, or one of the three main indigenous languages: Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo. Omirhobo contended that the CBN’s use of Arabic inscriptions violated sections 10 and 55 of the Nigerian Constitution, which establish the country’s secular status.
The CBN countered with an affidavit from Abiola Lawal, asserting that the Ajami inscriptions on some naira notes are not religious statements and do not indicate an alignment with Arabian culture. The CBN argued that the inscriptions, dating back to the colonial era, were meant to aid those without Western education and have been retained since 1973 when Nigeria’ s currency changed from pounds to naira. The bank emphasized that removing the inscriptions would incur significant costs for the Nigerian government and taxpayers.
In his judgment, Justice Bogoro acknowledged Omirhobo’ s legal standing but concluded that the lawyer failed to prove that the CBN acted in bad faith. Consequently, the court dismissed the suit. However, Omirhobo noted that the judge. advised the CBN to consider removing Arabic inscriptions from the N200, N500, and N1, 000 notes, as they have already been removed from the N5, N10, N50, and N100 notes, to reflect Nigeria’s secular nature and promote harmony. Deckan Ezeh, a chieftain of MASSOB, expressed gratitude for Okeke s release, stating, “The residents of Nganaome Ugwu Umuhu community
in Orsu council area of Imo State are happy with the release, and we thank God for His mercy on Emeka Okeke. It is a clear testimony of the efficacy of the non-violence principle of MASSOB, which we are known for as we struggle to actualize a Biafran state.
Meanwhile, Omirhobo has filed a similar suit against the Nigerian Army, seeking the removal of Arabic inscriptions from its logo. Like the CBN, the Army has opposed this suit and urged the court to dismiss it. In his judgment, Justice Bogoro acknowledged Omirhobo’s legal standing but concluded that the lawyer failed to prove that the CBN acted in bad faith. Consequently, the court dismissed the suit. However, Omirhobo noted that the judge advised the CBN to consider removing Arabic inscriptions from the N200, N500, and N1, 000 notes, as they have already been removed from the N5, N10, N50, and N100 notes, to reflect Nigeria’s secular nature and promote harmony. Omirhobo has also filed a similar suit against the Nigerian Army, seeking the removal of Arabic inscriptions from its logo. Like the CBN, the Army has opposed this suit and urged the court to dismiss it.
In conclusion, the Federal High Court s decision underscores the complex interplay between cultural heritage and constitutional principles in Nigeria. The ruling highlights the challenges in balancing historical practices with the nation’s commitment to secularism and unity. As Nigeria continues to navigate these issues, the court’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a secular state while respecting the diverse cultural and historical influences that shape the country.
