Speculations About Heritage Bank CEO
OpenLife Nigeria reports that of recent, Ifie Sekibo, the Chief Executive Officer, Heritage Bank Plc, has been the butt of discussions in some quarters over what could possibly be keeping him in Abuja.
There are rumours that the bank is facing challenges and as such, Sekibo is allegedly cashing in on his personal relationship with the Central Bank governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele to address some of the challenges.
“He is always in Abuja. He comes to the head office, where his office is, once a while. The head office is in Lagos. I think, maybe, the bank has challenges,” OpenLife was told.
However, findings by OpenLife indicates that the business environment has been hash and undulating. Players across sectors have had to go back to the drawing board and re engineered to be able to remain in business.
The outbreak of the pandemic since March 2020 has been a factor affecting growth prospects of industries including banks.
Speaking to OpenLife on Friday in Abuja, a top executive in the banking, who instructed not to be quoted, added his voice to the speculations that have been rife.
According to him, “The man spends more time in Abuja. That is a fact. But I am not sure it is connected with any challenge the bank is alleged to be facing. He is a CEO and must not necessarily be in Lagos to do his job,” he stated.
But others see it differently saying there are undisclosed issues concerning the bank which have to be resolved in Abuja.
“His tenure is gradually coming to an end,” OpenLife was told even as investigation continues.
It would be recalled that Sekibo, a blood brother to Rivers State top politician, Abiye Sekibo, was formerly the managing director of International Energy Insurance, IEI before he and some investors teamed up to revive the defunct Societe Generale Bank.
Their efforts came to fruition February 2013, when the new Bank, Heritage Bank, commenced operations.20 Oct 2014
Meanwhile, inquiry sent to the corporate affairs department of the bank has not been responded to as of the time of writing this report
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