EKITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has ordered the state to stop transacting business with Zenith Bank.
The action is not unconnected with the face-off between him and Zenith on the freezing of his personal accounts domicilled in thebank by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to a circular from the Office of the Accountant General on Tuesday, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must comply with the order within 48 hours.
The circular was addressed to the head of Service, permanent secretaries, general managers, administrative secretaries, heads of Non-Ministerial Departments and agencies and tertiary institutions.
The MDAs and institutions have begun implementation of the order to meet up with the deadline.
The circular, which was signed by the Accountant General, Mrs. O.O. Owolabi, is titled: “Stoppage of banking relationship with the Zenith Bank Plc.”
It reads: “The state government has directed immediate stoppage of all banking relationships with Zenith Bank.
“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are expected to adhere strictly to this instruction and sever transaction with the bank within 48 hours.
“By extension, workers’ salaries cease to be remitted to salary accounts domicilled with the bank forthwith. They are, therefore, advised to supply alternative bank accounts with their respective MDAs for transmission to this office within 60 days.
“Kindly, give the contents of this circular the widest publicity it deserves. The governor is poised to address the state on the matter in due course. Thank you.”
The fear of job loss has gripped Ekiti indigenes working in the bank, especially the main Ado-Ekiti branch on Secretariat Road and the campus branch at Ekiti State University (EKSU).
The workers are apprehensive of a repeat of the backlash of Fayose’s strained relationship with Ecobank, which led to the shutdown of the bank’s two branches.
Ecobank sacked scores of Ekiti indigenes following the government’s crackdown, and closed its operations.
The EFCC on May 24 froze two Zenith Bank accounts belonging to Fayose for alleged laundering of about N1.2 billion believed to be part of the arms fund from the ex-National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.)
The cash was allegedly released to the governor to fund his campaign in the 2014 governorship election.
Fayose claimed Zenith Bank funded his campaign but the bank denied the allegation.
The governor sued the EFCC and the bank at the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, seeking an order to de-freeze the account, which the court declined.
The matter was adjourned till September 30. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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This is nothing but a gross misuse of power.
ReplyDeleteFayose must be dealt with.
He must be removed by every means possible.
Ole, Thief .
ReplyDeleteThis Fayose is just a baby. He's not even ashamed. Trying to satisfy his personal ego by trampling on the right of the entire Ekiti public servant to choose whichever bank account suits them. What of people already enjoying loan facilities with Zenith,how would they pay down in 60days? If such order had come from Buhari,this foolish man would have been talking rubbish by now.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Fayose running the state as if its his personal property? Is he going to create job for the affected staff? he doesn't know that one way or the other those banks are contributing to economic welbeing of the host communities? He is about to wreck the state.
ReplyDeleteRubbish governor. Thief!
ReplyDeleteBro. Fayose, this action is long overdue. Why should "your Excellency" informed the whole world that the bank sponsored your electioneering campaign and the management has the audacity to deny it. Please order all Ekiti people at home and in diaspora to withdraw their banking relationship with Zenith Bank. What an affront to our loud mouthed and irresponsible Governor from the the bank?
ReplyDeleteWe are watching. Tyrants are so many in this country. Very wicked and vindictive people.
ReplyDeleteMr Governor the action of yours is illegal and obsolete. This is against the rule of law and sovereignty. Freedom of associate and ownership is touched. Where a citizens can't have a choice of a bank to operate. Don't use your inaccurate manner and personal ego to affect the lives of millions of Ekiti people.
ReplyDelete