[dropcap]S[/dropcap]o from January 2016 we cannot, as Nigerians access our Mastercards and Visa cards at ATMs abroad anymore and can’t even make payments for goods and services thereon.
Millions of citizens who have business ventures abroad will be stranded for cash and depression and despair will set in. With the naira already plunging at crazy levels to the dollar, we are sure screwed.
No one should tell me crap that it’s Emiefiele’s decision to do all this. That’s a lie. I do not for once believe that the dude will be so bold to ‘autonomise’ a stupid economic harakiri by himself without visiting the hallowed chambers of Aso Rock for directives.
This is 1984 all over again. A government back then left many fathers pauperised when they were once millionaires. It’s the same this time; a touted frugal misfit of a messiah with a loathing of communal prosperity is back again to rule with snakes and scorpions.
I spoke to a few Bureau De Change traders in Lagos today and they complained furiously in thick-accented voices. ‘Kai, Buhari na bad business! Shege!’ they said. Yes, their brother is in power but when that brother is messing up their trade with unfathomable policies, they can’t get over it.
Not only them. Everyone is complaining. It’s only the simpletons who still go out to shout that the change is here.
Give them six more months of this and they will know where to run back to, tails between legs.
Charles Novia is an award-winning filmmaker. He is founder of November Productions and November Records. Connect with him on Facebook.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
