The Senate resolution was a sequel to a motion at the plenary on Wednesday on “Urgent Need for CBN to liaise with commercial banks to resume operations in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom State l”
The motion was sponsored by Sen.Eyakenyi Etim (PDP-Akwa -Ibom)
Etim in her presentation said the naira redesign and cashless policy of CBN had caused a cash crunch, resulting in bank customers rushing to banks for money, where the monies were not available.
This, she said resulted in some incidents where bank customers, out of anger sacked bank staff and in some cases attacked bank staff, because of the non-availability of money for dispense.
She said, “Oron was one of the places where agitated customers protested and caused a commotion in banking halls.”
She said the statement released by the Nigerian Police indicated that the agitation was initially peaceful until it was hijacked by hoodlums who attacked banks in Oron and destroyed properties.
She added, “Since the incident occurred on February 17, all banking operations have been suspended in the entire Oron LGAs to date.
“The situation was worrisome, given the strategic roles that the banks play in commercial activities and economy of Oron nation.”
According to her, Oron communities are comprised of five Local government areas which include Mbo, Okobo, Udung, Uko, Urue, Offong/Uruko, and Oron.
Etim added, “it was worrisome given the hardship orchestrated by the continuous shutdown of banks in Oron, despite assurances by Nigerian Police that it has taken punitive measures and absolute control to avert any attack on the bank and its staff.
“Senate in its further resolution directed its Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Matters to investigate suspension of banking operations in some parts of the country.”
