By Austin Ogwuda
THE Chairman of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited, Hon. Jude Omena Ogbimi has denied the allegation against him that he moved N300 million to Premium Trust Mortgage Bank allegedly owned by the former Gov of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for personal gain and other allegations ranging from embezzlement , victimisation of bank staff, intimidation and abuse of power.
Responding to media reports to this effect, Ogbimi said “My attention has been drawn to a publication by one Fejiro Oliver titled “EXCLUSIVE CORRUPTION BOARDROOM SEX AND FRAUD ROCKS GOV. SHERIFF DELTA TRUST MORTGAGE BANK AS CHAIRMAN OMENA OGBIMI MOVES N300,000,000.00 (THREE HUNDRED MILLION NAIRA) TO OKOWA’S ALLEGED PREMIUM TRUST BANK”.
“Ordinarily, I would have ignored the allegations being that they are childish, unfounded and in most cases outright lies in a desperate attempt to drag my name in the mud and blackmail the board of the Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Ltd with the aim of derailing the Board from continuing with the reforms aimed at achieving the mission of repositioning the bank for better performance.
“However, due to the fact that it was published in the social media, I would make this rejoinder in order to protect unsuspecting persons and members of the public from being misled by the falsehood contained in the publication.
“With respect to the opening of account with Premium Trust Bank, the management resolved that rather than keep cash that would lose its value, it would be desirable to open an account with a bank that would give the best interest rate.
“After perusing different offers of several banks and their interest rates; Premium Trust bank’s offer of interest rate was the most attractive and this was approved by the board. Interestingly Premium Trust Bank gave the best rate. So the decision was in the best interest of the bank”, he clarified.
Addressing other allegations, Ogbimi refuted the assertion that he barged into the bank’s vault to conduct a cash count. He explained that, following the board’s constitution, he led a familiarisation tour of the bank’s branches in Asaba, Warri and Abuja to assess the bank’s operations.
“During this tour”, he went on, “several lapses were identified, including weaknesses in accounting records and internal controls, which the board is actively addressing.
“The allegation that I entered the vault with political aides to conduct a cash count is a blatant falsehood.
“The Board’s role is to ensure oversight and the correction of critical gaps within the bank’s operations, not to engage in illegal activities”.
On the accusations of embezzlement, intimidation and abuse of power, Ogbimi described them as “mischievous and misleading”.
He highlighted the Board’s efforts to improve the working environment for staff, including the installation of new air conditioners at the Asaba branch and renovation work at the Warri branch, which he said were met with appreciation from the employees.
According to him, “The bank’s staff were jubilant and even offered prayers for the board after these improvements.
“There is no toxic environment at Delta Trust Mortgage Bank, as alleged.”
He also rejected claims that he held an excessive number of board meetings, stating that the board has only met once a month since its inception, in line with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Guidelines pointing out that due to the absence of a functioning Board for nearly a year prior to his appointment, frequent meetings were necessary to implement urgent reforms.
“It is standard practice, as stipulated by the CBN, to ensure regular oversight of the bank’s operations, especially after such a long period without board leadership”, Ogbimi stated.
On the issue of contracts, Ogbimi clarified that the Board had only awarded one contract, for the renovation of the bank’s headquarters, and had not inflated or awarded any other contracts as claimed. He further explained that the decision to open an account with Premium Trust Bank was based on obtaining the best interest rates for the bank’s funds, following a thorough review of offers from several banks.
In response to the allegation of hiring unqualified personnel, Ogbimi said that employment at the bank is strictly based on qualifications and competence, and that he was not involved in the hiring process. He also dismissed claims of a romantic relationship with the head of the Abuja branch, calling the accusation “wicked and insensitive.”
“The person heading the Abuja branch, he explained, “has 24 years of banking experience and was hired based on merit.
“I have no personal relationship with her and the bank has a strict policy against such conflicts of interest”.
Ogbimi concluded by urging the public to disregard the baseless allegations and emphasised the board’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He went further to outline the bank’s recent achievements, including plans to open new branches in Ughelli, Ozoro, Agbor, and Sapele, which are part of the board’s strategy to expand the bank’s reach and improve its financial performance.
“The reforms we are implementing have brought accountability and transparency to the bank. We remain focused on elevating Delta Trust Mortgage Bank to a regional financial institution and we will continue to serve the people of Delta State with integrity and professionalism”, stated the Bank Chairman.
Photo caption: HON. JUDE OMENA OGBIMI, Chairman of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited.
