Alleged Funding of Election: Fayose, Zenith Bank In Fresh Claim And Counter Claim
Editor
Posted On Jul 19, 2016
Weeks after the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose claimed his 2014 election was chiefly bankrolled by Zenith Bank Plc, the financial institution has released an official statement as regards the claim.
Zenith Bank in the statement released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, clarified that it did not sponsor the Ekiti State governor’s election campaign as alleged by Ayodele Fayose.
The financial institution noted that its policy was against political donations and as such did not make an exception for the Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose.
“The issue involved in this case has to do with investigation bordering on the account of the Governor of Ekiti State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The bank was never a party to the matter.”
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wrote to the bank, in the course of its investigation to make enquiries and also directed that the bank temporarily suspend operations on the account pending conclusion of investigations, which the bank complied with.”
“Zenith Bank did not fund the Governorship election of Ekiti State or indeed any other election in the country.”
“As a policy the bank does not make political donations or fund any political association or party.”
“Zenith Bank Plc as a foremost financial institution maintains a very cordial relationship with the Authorities of all its host states where it has business offices including Ekiti State.”
“The bank’s only branch in Ekiti State predates the assumption of office of the current Administration.”
“Moreover, the bank does not hold any business account of Ekiti State till date. There was therefore, no incentive to fund the election as alleged.”
“Zenith Bank Management would like to reassure and state that it will continue to conduct its business in line with best practices and extant banking laws and regulations.”
Fayose faulted the statement credited to the bank, stating that the letter allegedly issued by the bank was a fraud.
A statement made by his Special Adviser on Public Communications & New Media, Lere Olayinka, cited alleged flaws in the authenticity of the letter.
The statement read:
Note that PARAGRAPH 4 and 5 are the same. Can a corporate organisation of Zenith Bank standing make this kind of mistake in its Press Statement?
Note too that the signature there is none of Victor Adoji (Head, Corporate Communications)
The signature was SCANNED.
The LOGO too was SCANNED and imposed.
Zenith Bank PLC doesn’t have (Head of Corporate Communucation).
And which branch of the Zenith Bank released this statement? Zenith Bank, Abuja Branch, APC branch, Aso Villa branch, Bourdillon branch or the one operating inside Ojudu, Falana or EFCC office?
Ayodele Fayose had previously claimed that the bank sponsored his election.
