Fidelity Bank denies involvement in alleged disengagement of drivers

The management of Fidelity Bank Plc has described as untrue and misleading the allegation that it sacked the drivers in its employ, prompting reactions from the Advocate for People’s Human Rights and Justice in particular and the public in general.

The bank affirmed that there was a planned picketing of its premises over the alleged disengagement.In a statement by the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Charles Aigbe, the financial institution noted that it “enjoys the services of drivers provided by a vendor, FSL Limited. Such drivers are staff of FSL and may be recalled or reassigned from time to time.

“Due to operational realignment and increased automation of our processes, there was a considerable reduction in the number of cars previously required for our business. Consequently, we had to return 15 drivers in the Abuja area to their employer after several engagements/sensitisation and search for possible alternative placements.”

He continued: “Even though Fidelity Bank had no contractual obligations, it considered the good relationship with FSL and the number of years of service of the affected drivers and magnanimously decided to make ex-gratia payments to the drivers, a reasonable amount for each year of service.

“This payment, made in good faith, is now being exploited by the drivers to make additional and unreasonable demands for more, with the threat to picket the bank and disrupt services to its teeming customers.

Aigbe further noted: “Fidelity Bank is a law-abiding institution, operating in Nigeria in the interest of the banking public. While we are not against the rights of people to constituted assembly, this action is unwarranted and obviously misdirected.”

“We urge the relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Police Force, to note this threat to the conduct of our lawful business, just as we urge the affected drivers to engage FSL Limited for whatever grievances they may have.”