The Zenith Bank Plc has cleared the air on the claim by the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose that the bank was responsible for funding his governorship election in the state.
Zenith Bank, in the information sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today on the issue and which in possession of Business247 Online news, the bank said categorically that it does not, as a practice, make political donations or fund any political party or association.
According to Zenith Bank, “The issue involved in this case has to do with investigation bothering 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 temporary suspends 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 Authorities of its host states where it has businesses 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 will like to reassure and state that it will continue to conduct its businesses in line with best practices and extant banking laws and regulations”, the bank explained.
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