By ESENVOSA Izah

The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to issue a public statement on the deposit of old naira notes by the public to clear the confusion surrounding it.

The President, Mr Olusoji Oluwole, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos following conflicting information in the media concerning the deposit of the old naira notes.

“The CBN needs to provide clarity because some banks are receiving, some are not receiving, and these are the things that could cause problem if they do not come out clearly and say, ‘This is what is expected of everybody’.

“By the pronouncement of the CBN governor, the validity of the old currency ended on Feb. 17. So, are people still going to be able to pay in for the next 60 days just as the N200? Are they going to be allowed to to pay in through the rest of the week? Will it end on Saturday?

“Those are the things they need to come out with, clearly and publish it; put it on their website, twitter because normally, CBN issues notices and circulars, “ he said.

Earlier in a statement, Oluwole said that the association had received assurances that adequate security to protect lives and property would be put into place with immediate effect.

According to him, this follows several engagements with different bodies and individuals to address the recent attacks of bank branches in some states.

The labour leader said, however, in the event of any threat of attack by the public without visible protection, members had been advised to shut down and move to safe locations until such a time that their safely can be guaranteed.

“Our Central Working Committee has also met to review these engagements and immediate implementation of some of the assurances by various stakeholders.

“Based on the outcome of our discussion we hereby release the following statements: while our members will resume at their functional branches immediately, the safety and security of their lives remain paramount to us.

“Also, we continue to demand that visible and adequate security is provided in all operational areas, particularly places that are traditionally known to be volatile.

“While our members in locations that were attacked and assets destroyed may be unable to operate, we have advised other members to assess the security situation in their environments before opening for business, “ Oluwole said. (NAN)

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