Heritage Bank: We have no problem at all meeting depositors’ withdrawal needs

Heritage Bank says there are “unrelenting persons” keen on dragging its name in the mud.

In a statement on Sunday, the bank dismissed the reports that anxious customers “jammed the phone lines and websites of Heritage Bank PLC and crowded most of its branch offices to pull out their savings because of concerns about fresh financial problems of the bank”.

Maintaining that it is financially stable, the bank assured customers of improved services.

“This report is not just false, it was clearly sponsored with the intent to sully and de-market Heritage Bank which, on several occasions, has been applauded by industry experts and regulators alike as one of the best managed banks in the country,” the statement read.

“We reiterate that Heritage Bank does not have any problems at all meeting the immediate withdrawal needs or other obligations of our esteemed depositors and it is also utterly false that the bank’s telephone lines and website were jammed by customers that were purported to be anxious about their deposits.

“Indeed no Heritage customer has any cause whatsoever to be anxious about his or her deposit. In spite of being a relatively young bank, Heritage Bank is doing exceedingly well and continues to discharge its responsibilities with precision and utmost professionalism to depositors, investors and all other critical shareholders.”

The statement reminded customers that only three weeks ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) affirmed that the bank was in a good state.

“A further affirmation of the healthy status of Heritage bank came this week from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which just this week named Heritage bank among the key healthy banks in Nigeria commissioned to handle claims by customers of failed banks in Nigeria,” it read.

“Other commissioned banks include: First Bank of Nigeria Plc, United Bank of Africa, Zenith Bank, United Bank of Africa, Diamond Bank, Fidelity Bank, Unity Bank among others. The question is would the NDIC have commissioned Heritage Bank if there was any sign whatsoever that Heritage Bank is troubled?

“Heritage Bank will not be distracted by the antics of persons who are envious of the modest achievements of Heritage Bank at such a young age.

“We shall continue to give our depositors and other stakeholders first class and personalised services. On this score we urge our esteemed customers to disregard and discountenance this false report being circulated about Heritage Bank as there is absolutely no cause for anxiety.”