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Governor Godswill Akpabio has hailed the cashless policy of the present Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) management under Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, saying it would help to eliminate the influence of money politics in the country.

Akpabio, who spoke when the Chairman of Committee of e-Banking Industry Heads, Mr. Chuks Iku, paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Uyo, noted: “Until money is eliminated from politics, it will still become a bit difficult. Our prayer is that one day money will be totally eliminated from politics so that we can vote according to our conscience.”

He described e-banking as “a major innovation worldwide and still new in Nigeria because Nigeria still remains a major cash economy,” pointing out that the policy would discredit politicians who induce electorate with cash to get their votes.

“Coming on a retreat to the state will afford you the opportunity to lay the foundation for major e-revolution in the banking sector. If you really want to sit down and discuss the way forward, I think you should also go to a state that is taking the lead in transformational leadership,” Akpabio said.

Mr. Iku had informed the governor that the committee was holding a retreat in Akwa Ibom State to address issues bordering on electronic banking in the country. He disclosed that the choice of Akwa Ibom for the retreat was based on the prime role the state is playing in the advancement of technology and infrastructure.

According to Iku, “For us, Akwa Ibom represents e-business to an extent. We are aware that Akwa Ibom has a digitalised library and we are also aware that Akwa Ibom is currently undergoing biometric exercise for all civil servants in the state including SUBEB and local lovernments. Above all, we also know that in term of infrastructure, a lot is happens here. For us those are things that are own nation needs.”

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio.

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