Hundreds of protesting Edo State Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) have shut the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Benin branch in Edo State over the scarcity of fuel and new naira notes.
The protesters also made the dualised and ever-busy Akpakpava Road in Benin where the CBN’s branch is located near the popular Ring Road impassable to commuters many of whom groaned and opted for alternative routes.
EDOCSO members, who were armed with placards and banners bearing anti-CBN inscriptions and chanting anti-government songs, declared they would continue with the peaceful protest until the needful was done.
One of EDOCSO’s leaders, Comrade Omobude Agho, called on the CBN to quickly make the new naira notes available to end the suffering of Nigerians.
Agho alleged CBN’s Governor Godwin Emefiele deliberately wanted to subject Nigerians to untold hardship a few weeks before the general elections.
The EDOCSO leader insisted the protesters would remain at the main gate of CBN in Benin, not minding the inconvenience.
Armed security personnel at the CBN displayed professionalism and maturity by not harassing or molesting the peaceful protesters.