The Need To Respect Nigeria’s National Symbols

The Need To Respect Nigera’s National Symbols

Barely two weeks ago, precisely on 12th April, the wrath of the law was meted on a popular Social media influencer, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, for abuse of the Naira Notes.

Bobrisky, a cross dresser was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in Lagos, a week prior to his trial before Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos who passed a six month jail sentence on him without an option of fine.

While the debate about his sentence was still going on, another socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest was also arrested for the same offence.

He pleaded not guilty to the three counts of abusing the Naira notes during a court appearance last Wednesday, but on Cubana’s case, he was given a bail of 10 million naira.

Before the two recent incidents, an actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was in February this year, also sentenced to six months in prison for spraying and stepping on new naira notes.

As it stands today, the last is yet to be heard about the arrest and prosecution of those who abused the naira notes.

This is because according to the EFCC, several celebrities are being investigated for allegedly committing the same offence.

Infact, the commission has indicated that so far, 200 persons across the country have faced prosecution while 24 of them have been convicted already.

Although, Bobrisky has appealed his case, the crux of the matter remains that, abuse of Naira and other National identities is a grievous offence and anyone culpable must be made to face the music.

As a matter of fact, National symbols which include, the Coat of Arms, National Flag, Military and Para-Military Uniforms, Legislative Mace and Currencies should be given maximum regard at all times irrespective of the status of the handlers.

The recent action of the EFCC , has proven that, gone are the days, when little or no regard was given to National identities or symbols especially at Social gatherings.

It most be noted that, it is a sign of disrespect to say the least, for Nigerians to spray and march on their own currency at Social events.

To this end, cash gifts at such gatherings should be packaged in an Envelope to preserve the nation’s currency.

Also more sensitization should be carried out, not just by the Federal Government through the National Orientation Agency but also by the media, non governmental organizations and individuals, on the need to inculcate National Values and respect for National Identities and symbols.

Traditional Rulers should also be involved in educating their Subjects that it is unlawful for any citizen to spray and March on Naira Notes in any social gathering.

On the part of Entertainers, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria PMAN, should device another means of appreciating artists on stage rather than the offensive manner of spraying money.

Indeed, PMAN should rather support the Government to ensure the sanctity and respect for the National Symbols .

It might not be out of place for the Anti-graft Agencies and other Security operatives both at the Federal and State Levels to create special Marshals who would beam their searchlights on Social gatherings mostly on weekends to arrest perpetrators regardless of age and political or social status.

There is also the compelling need for government to review the punishment for the offence of the Abuse of Naira notes or any national symbol as six months jail term or option of Fifty Thousand Naira fine appears not stringent enough to serve as a deterrent.

By Samuel Adeyinka, Edited By Grace Namiji