…. as bank customers lament, call for Federal Government’s Intervention
Ajirioghene Imah
Despite the appeal of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji that commercial banks should accept the old naira notes from customers, commercial Banks in the state have refused to, and the Governor’s appeal have fallen on deaf ears.
A visit to some commercial banks in Ado Ekiti, by members of the Online Media Chapel of the Ekiti State NUJ Council showed that the banks were not accepting the old naira notes.
At the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Bank Road, Ado-Ekiti, a businessman, Chibuzor Anyah Ukwu described the development as frustrating and disappointing.
According to him, some people have been in the bank since early hours of the morning without being attended to.
Chibuzor added that the worst aspect of the situation was the tear-gas released on them by the security agents present at the bank, describing such as uncalled for.
“I left my business to be here, and nobody is in my shop as I speak to you”, he lamented.
Another customer, who pleaded anonymity mentioned he was given only #2,000 after much plea and that could not cover his transport fare from Aramoko to Ado.
An official of Sterling Bank who preferred anonymity, said there was no directive from the CBN as regards the acceptance of the old naira notes, hence it’s rejection from customers.
A trader identified as Jickson Udoh noted that the cashless policy was really affecting their businesses and called on the Federal Government to make the new naira notes available for easy transaction.
Also, a Clergy man identified as Agboola Abiodun while relaying his bitter experience at Keystone Bank said he was given number two hundred and thirty, adding that he could not get money at the long run.
“It is becoming unbearable and unpalatable for somebody to have money in the bank, but unable to collect it to feed his family and meet other needs”. He said.
Suggesting the way out, Abiodun said President Muhammadu Buhari should direct banks to start collecting the old naira notes.
