The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has suggested that an image of former President Olusegun Obasanjo be on one of the redesigned naira notes.

“Africa is blessed to have a statesman of such impeccable democratic credentials as Chief Obasanjo. A man whose image ought to be in the redesigned Naira note to inspire future generations of Nigerians to sacrifice for their nation and continent,” Mr Abubakar said.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former vice president explained that the move will inspire future generations of Nigerians to sacrifice for their country and the continent.

Mr Abubakar lauded the former president for his efforts to mediate peace in war-torn countries in Africa, including Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sao Tome.

The Central Bank of Nigeria in October gave Nigerians six weeks to return old naira notes, saying it has “obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to redesign, produce, and circulate new series of banknotes at N100, N200, N500, and N1,000 levels.”

Godwin Emefiele, the apex bank boss explained that the move, which has since been approved by Mr Buhari and other stakeholders, was certain to boost the value of the naira.

However, the announcement of plans to phase out the higher denomination of the country’s currencies have triggered an unprecedented fall in the value of the country’s currency.

Kingsley Moghalu, a former CBN deputy governor, said he was unsure that the move would curb inflation and increase rising prices of food.