CLAIM: A picture of some men standing in front of huge pile of old Naira notes was shared widely on Social Media, especially WhatsApp claiming that the Zamfara State Government paid workers with old naira notes.
Full-Text: The message wherein the claim was made reads: “It is said to be Zamfara State Government paying workers with old cash that came out of the Governor’s personal vault [sic].”
VERIFICATION: PRNigeria‘s fact-check reveals that the picture of wrapped bunches of old naira notes was taken on April 2nd, 2022 in Kano at a youth empowerment program organized by Hon. Sani Ma’aruf Nass aka (Mai Wake), representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, Kano State.
According to a report, the actual amount of the money in the picture was two hundred and seventy seven million naira which was distributed to 7000 constituents.
Meanwhile, the media aide to the member representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency of Kano State, Hamisu Sani Duzau, has faulted the Whatsapp message in a statement describing it as “ unfounded.“
He said that the program was held last year before the introduction of the currency change policy, hence called on the public to disregard mischief makers.
Similarly, Hon. Sani Ma’aruf Nass in his Twitter account stated that his empowerment was made before the currency redesign policy.
CONCLUSION: After reviewing the image with the available information, PRNigeria concludes that the claim that Zamfara Governor Bello Matawale and his officials were paying workers with old naira notes, is FALSE.
