ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has urged commercial banks operating in the country to partner with the Federal Government to effectively tackle corruption in the system.
This is even as a machinery is in motion to train the 109 senators, as well as their aides on the use of the Facebook and other social media for effective communication on issues relating to public policy and good governance.
Speaking when the management of Fidelity Bank Plc, led by its
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, visited him at the National Assembly, Saraki noted that the banks are at a vantage
position to disclose suspicious transactions to the relevant
authorities.
Saraki stated that the banks have a major role to play in stamping out corruption from all aspects of the economy.
“I think also that the area that is key is the fight against corruption. The banks must play a role in knowing your customers, not only in knowing your customers, but also being accountable for the activities of your customers because in developed societies, banks know that, if their customers are being questioned in any activity, they too, are responsible for either not bringing it to the attention of the government because there is nothing that happens that does not go through the banking system.
“So, if the banking system is tight, it will bring the greatest contribution in fighting corruption even more than anywhere else because at the end of the day, it must come through the banking system. But I think when the banks turn a blind eye, saying it is not (their) business, that does not help. I think we need to start looking at that in supporting the government in addressing this area,” Saraki said.
He further urged banks to ensure that they lend needed support to farmers in order to boost food production and stimulate the growth of agriculture in the country.
Earlier, Okonkwo explained that the visit was in line with the bank’s ongoing engagement with critical stakeholders in the economy.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
He added that Fidelity Bank has been and would continue to provide support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), industries and telecommunication sectors in order to grow the economy.
Meanwhile, the office of the Senate President is planning a training for all the 109 senators and their aides on the use of Facebook and other social media for effective communication on issues relating to public policy and good governance.
The training, according to the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Senator Isa Galaudu, in a statement issued on Thursday is in line with the promise of the Senate President to bring about a more representative legislature through the use of technology and e-parliamentary tools.
The training, which is scheduled to hold on Monday, will be conducted by the Head of Policy at Facebook Africa and members of her team, billed to arrive the country on Sunday.
Galaudu added that senators and aides wishing to participate in the training should indicate so to a dedicated e-mail address latest by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.