Heritage Bank is in dire need of re-capitalization and if the owners cannot step up on its task, the apex bank should rise to its responsibility by withdrawing its license and resurrecting the institution from complete collapse.
“I think the suspended governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele has some questions to answer about the state of Heritage Bank. He might have been involved in some kind of politics because why should he leave to degenerate to this state and pretend that all is well?
“The new Acting Governor of the CBN should immediately set up a committee to review the state of Heritage Bank and if necessary, revoke its license and restructure the bank to stay afloat,”
Making a similar case, Mr. Kayode Olorunfemi, a capital market expert noted that the quality of services Nigerian banks offer their customers are nothing to be desired, especially those not listed on the stock market.
“The major culprits are banks that are not listed on the stock exchange like Heritage Bank,” he said.
He explained further that, “when a bank’s leadership and corporate governance policies are zero, it will surely fail. This is the story of Heritage Bank.
“I think so many things are wrong with the bank and surprisingly, the CBN has feigned ignorance. The CBN needs to look into these banks to protect depositor’s funds, especially at this time that the economy is seriously challenged.
“It must take seriously the series of customers’ complaints against Heritage Bank and other banks that are not on the stock market.”
“We cannot afford to witness another drama in the banking sector like the 2009 crisis. It’s obvious Heritage Bank has failed the stress test,” he concluded.
Ozenna Utulu, the head of Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank did not respond to THE WITNESS calls placed to her mobile line for the bank’s position as at press time.
(C) THE WITNESS
