The most interesting and enjoyable aspect of Owanbe, Naira spraying, appears to be dwindling with time, as the EFCC is determined to arrest anyone found spraying money. It is now fully unlawful to do so.
Naira spraying
Spraying money is a common occurrence in the day-to-day lives of any African country. It’s not just the highlight of any occasion, but rather, it’s like the shadow of any party slayer.
Nigerians, we can say, are on the top list of those catching fun for spraying money at various occasions, either in the diaspora or as they call it, tinwa tinwa.
While others do it out of genuine love, some others show off with it.
Indeed, it is done particularly when the music strikes the correct note. Others do it when the bandleader praises you and gives you goosebumps all over your body.
Press Release
On February 2, 2023, a press release was issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It was signed by the Director, Corporate Communication, Osita Nwanisobi.
It read: “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing, or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the Bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines, imprisonment, or both”.
This points in the direction of the arrest of Cubana Chief Priest. He was granted bail of ₦10 million, as opposed to Bobrisky, who was handed a 6-month jail term.
Also Read: Why Cubana ChiefPriest Is Trending
The Proud Moment
Before now, it was almost like a cultural thing to spray money on people at parties.
As a matter of fact, a lot of us have gone to the diaspora and described it as part of our culture.
Other than the traditions, dance, and music, another aspect Americans or a British person find attractive is the spraying of naira notes, and you hear things like “Africans are always happy people”.
But unfortunately, it’s now against the Nigerian law to spray naira. And the EFCC is taking up the responsibility of enforcing the law.
However, some are of the school of thought that it is a witch hunt.
they say only specific people are targeted amongst many other individuals in the society who party every weekend and spray money.
The Law Should Be For Everybody
In conclusion, it is said that justice must not only be done but also shown to be done.
Different strokes for different folks shouldn’t apply.
Additionally, it shouldn’t be made for a specific group of people in society.
Are we going to witness certain individuals being arrested and imprisoned regardless of their status if Naira mutilation and Naira spraying are discovered to be illegal?
Don’t let it be assumed that only a small number of Nigerians are being victimised.
