By Uzoma Akobundu
Fidelity Bank Plc, has said it is not indebted to any worker that would warrant the demonstrations at its offices in Lagos by some persons who claimed they worked for the bank.
Some persons have been protesting at the offices of the bank in some parts of Lagos, claiming they were being owed arrears of salaries and severance packages and gratuities.
But the bank has condemned the demonstrations saying the bank owes no one any salary, severance package or gratuity.
In a statement on Wednesday, Fidelity Bank Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Charles Aigbe said that the bank is not only a responsible organisation, but one operating under the strict laws of the country.
He described the demonstration as an embarrassment to Fidelity Bank’s innocent customers because it was orchestrated by a few drivers from one of the bank’s vendor companies.
Aigbe said the bank will not fail to take legal steps to stop further occurrences even as it has reported the matter to the police for their information.
His full statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the demonstrations at some of our Business offices in Lagos.
“The actions, aimed at preventing innocent customers from carrying out their banking transactions, is the handiwork of a few disengaged drivers from one of our vendor companies.
“We understand that the drivers who were in the past outsourced to the bank, have been paid their severance packages and entitlements by their employers.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we state categorically that Fidelity Bank is not owing staff salaries, severance packages or gratuity payments as erroneously being portrayed.
“We are a responsible financial institution, operating in Nigeria and guided by the laws of the land. Whilst we are not against the right to constituted assembly, these actions are clearly unwarranted and obviously misdirected.
“We are initiating legal measures to put a stop to this corporate harassment and we urge the relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to note this threat to the conduct of our legitimate business.
“Thank you.”