From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Chief Magistrate Court 2, sitting in Makurdi, on Tuesday, ordered the immediate closure of two major United Bank of Africa, UBA, branches in Makurdi, the State capital for enforcement of an Industrial Court Judgement against the State government.
The two branches were shut down in compliance with, and pronouncement by the industrial court on the immediate garnishee of Benue State government account to the tune of over N200 million domiciled in the bank.
The Network learnt from a source that the Court ordered the attachment of UBA and it’s equipment, for disobeying the order of the court over the issue of garnishee.
The bank is being punished for allegedly shielding the state government from paying the debt, after claiming that the state government does not have money and is even indebted to the bank.
The bank failed to attached evidence to their defence to ascertain if truly the State government has no money.
When our correspondent visited the banks located at opposite the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN close to Government House and the other branche on Otukpo road within Makurdi metropolis, both banks were closed to customers.
Most of the customers who went to the two branches were disappointed as they met all entrances leading to bank premises under lock and key.
They however, resorted to use of ATM machine outside the bank premises for their transactions, while those who came to deposit money or make huge transfer went back home.
A staff at the new Otukpo road who spoke on condition of anonymity simply said, “we are not open today because of some legal issues involving the bank”.
When contacted, the State Commissioner for Justice and Public/Attorney-General Barr Yangien Ornguga who assigns State government counsels with brief/cases bordering on garnishees, declined comment.
He said that he was indisposed to speak on the issue and directed Journalists to write formally to his office for reaction.
It was alleged that the UBA account is the main Federation Account and Allocation Committee(FAAC) account where all monies pertaining the state government from the Federal Allocation is lodged.
When contacted through email at the UBA in Lagos, they replied with a promise to get to journalists.
When contacted, the State commissioner for finance, Michael Oglegba, said he was in a meeting and could not speak.
