Coalition of Civil Societies Protests, Demand Investigation into Guaranty Trust Bank
A coalition of civil society organizations gathered at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja today to demand urgent investigations into alleged infractions at Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTB) under the leadership of Segun Agbaje. The protest aimed to address a series of serious allegations, including corruption, unsolicited account openings, fictitious profit declarations, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
The Chief Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance in Nigeria, Comrade Tijani Usman emphasized the urgent need to tackle corruption, which he stated has been a significant barrier to Nigeria’s socio-economic development since independence in 1960. In his address, Usman condemned the failure of relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to act on the numerous complaints against GTB.
“The weighty allegations against GTB demand thorough investigation and accountability,” Usman stated. He called on the Nigeria Police Force, as the leading crime-fighting agency, to prioritize these serious claims and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The Protesters expressed frustration over GTB’s operational failures, citing recent issues where the bank’s payment systems were down for days, causing significant losses to customers. The coalition urged the bank’s management to refocus its efforts on addressing these operational challenges rather than engaging in questionable practices.
The protest also called for support from various regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to take decisive action in light of the allegations against GTB.
As the coalition continued its peaceful demonstrations, they said they remain resolute in their commitment to ensuring justice for affected customers and investors. The protest underscores a broader demand for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s banking sector, emphasizing the need for systemic reform to combat corruption and restore public trust.
The outcome of this protest and the subsequent response from authorities may shape the future of banking governance in Nigeria, as civil society calls for more stringent oversight and accountability.