By Izunna Okafor, Awka
What could be best described as a mild drama recently ensued in Awka, the Anambra State capital, as an elderly man, believed to be an Igbo red-cap chief, reportedly stormed an Access Bank branch and seized one of the bank’s signposts over alleged unlawful or unnecessary deductions from his account.
The incident, which occurred within the Awka metropolis, attracted the attention of passers-by and residents who watched as the visibly angry man, dressed in his full traditional regalia and red cap, carried away the Access Bank post used to indicate parking restrictions and other traffic-related notices in front of the bank. Photos circulating on social media show the man walking away with the signpost amid murmurs and stares from onlookers who were astonished by the rare act of protest.
Although the identity of the man has not yet been confirmed, many who reacted to the trending photos described his action as an expression of frustration and anger against the alleged irregular debits by the bank. While some viewed his action as a symbolic gesture to register displeasure, others wondered what he intended to do with the seized signpost or how it could possibly compensate for the amount reportedly deducted from his account as alleged.
As of the time of this report, the management of Access Bank is yet to officially react or issue any official statement regarding the incident, which has continued to generate reactions and conversations among residents and social media users across the state and beyond.
Efforts by this reporter, Izunna Okafor, to get the confirmation, reactions and/or clarifications of the Access Bank Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Kunle Aderinokun, on the incident is yet to materialize, as he was yet to respond to message of inquiry sent to him as at the time of this publication.
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