The respite the commercial banking sector had from netizens may become something of the past ever since the ban on the microblogging site, Twitter, have been lifted.
Recall that Buhari’s government suspended Twitter on June 4 after it removed a post from President Muhammadu Buhari that threatened to punish regional secessionists. Telecoms companies subsequently blocked access to users in Nigeria.
However, the suspension was lifted recently and Nigerian opined that behind the blanket excuse by the government, it was forced to reverse the ban because of 2023 election.
A lady, simply known as Jay’s Mama, with a Twitter handle @clymene_s, has called out one of the leading commercial banks, FirstBank, in the country over failed transaction and inability to access account.
She wrote in a series of tweets that started on January 17, she claimed she would be committing suicide for this reason.
“My account has been frozen since 30th of December 2021. I have provided the necessary documents requested for by the bank and I am yet to have access to my money. Hunger kills! @FirstBankngr please save my life and look into this situation. #Ineedmymoneyback
“Despite reaching out to @FirstBankngr yesterday and forwarding my account details. My funds still remain inaccessible. Hunger kills. @FirstBankngr save my life and release my account. #iwantmymoneyback Please retweet
“If you hear about my suicide tomorrow, please know that @FirstBankngr drove me to it. I have been starving despite having money in my account. The least you can do is grant me access to my money while going ahead with your KYC bullshit.
“My only mistake was banking with @FirstBankngr I am frustrated and my mental health is in tatters! I understand your going ahead with KYC, but please let me have access to my money so I can eat!
“Na account I open, I no kill person, notifying me by mail to bring certain documents would have been more appropriate than freezing my account and leaving me destitute! @FirstBankngr Mercy Aigbe Offa
“Twitter community, please take note! Screenshot this tweet if possible! Remember that @FirstBankngr drove me to suicide. I am a hardworking Nigerian who is being denied access to her funds because of a bank policy. My account was frozen without notification by @FirstBankngr
“My only crime is opening an account with @FirstBankngr I didn’t know it was a death warrant. Share your experiences with account freezing and in the process, please help me beg first bank to allow me access my money so I can feed. Mercy Aigbe James Brown Zino NURTW Offa Johnson
“@FirstBankngr All I Want is access to my money while I go ahead with the KYC! I have been told to exercise patience, but hunger no dey hear please. Zino Mercy Johnson NURTW Mercy Aigbe James Brown. Please help me retweet this
“It’s been almost a month now, begging for money from friends and families is becoming humiliating. @FirstBankngr please allow me access my funds while I go ahead with KYC. Please lend your voice @mrmacaronii
“The last time I ate a decent meal was 1st of January. This frustration and desperation is making me contemplate suicide. @FirstBankngr
led me to this. Eating once in 2 days is not healthy. HELP!!! @mrmacaronii I know you help the masses and won’t let hunger kill me,” she submitted.
In a reaction nine days after the first tweet, FirstBank responded through its official handle, @FirstBankNgr, that her complaint was already receiving proper attention.
“Hello @clymene_s, we empathize with you on the issue raised. Enquiry shows you have been engaged by the branch for the necessary corrections to be done. Kindly exercise patience for work to be completed on the account. #Youfirst,” the bank wrote.
Despite the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive to banks to ensure a speedy and timely reversal of funds arising from failed transactions and unnecessary bottlenecks preventing easy access to funds, many Nigerian wonder why customers are still experiencing delayed refund, some running into months.
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