A commercial bank based in Nigeria, Polaris Bank is currently under fire for prohibiting its Muslim staff from observing the Jumat prayer (Friday prayer).
In a leaked email sighted by Brand Spur Nigeria, one of the bank’s supervising staff, Damilola Adebara, said the financial institution does not have a policy that allows any employee to go for religious activities during work hours.
The email showed that the staff are working under its YES centre, a branch of its customer service.
The mail read partly read: “Dear All, It has been observed that on Fridays, you leave your work desks to attend the Jumat service bearing in mind the impact of your absence on the workflow and productivity of Yes Center.”
“Kindly note that there is no provision made anywhere in the Bank’s policy for employees to attend any religious activities during work hours.
“Going forward such permissions would not be granted on the Yes Center platform and any infraction of this directive would be dealt with accordingly.
“You are all expected to acknowledge the receipt of this mail. Thank you.”
Reacting to the mail, the bank in a statement on Thursday said the staff’s submission does not represent its position as a corporate entity.
“The attention of the Bank has been drawn to a shared screenshot of mail sent by a supervisor to staff in her department in respect of Friday prayers.
“This is to clarify that Nigeria is a secular nation and our Bank is guided by this standard.
“Accordingly, there is no policy in the Bank that forbids staff from practicing the religion of their choice; hence the said staff had acted in ignorance and we have since addressed the issue internally.
“We assure all staff, customers, and the public that we will continue to respect the fundamental rights and freedom of worship of every employee,” Polaris said.
However, several Muslim commenters are fuming on social media, with some customers threatening to end their relationship with the bank.
A protesting Muslim asked investors to withdraw their stock from Polaris Bank.
Brand Spur Nigeria captured some comments on the issue from social media users below:
So, If Polaris Bank Doesn't have Time For Her Muslim Workers To Observe their Religious Right, The Muslims Customers Should As Well Shun The Bank.
— Uthman Isa Tochukwu, LL.B (@UthmanTochukwu) October 13, 2022
The action of your employee Damilola I Adebara is nothing other than religious sentiment, bigotry, extremism, and intolerance. Whoever the person is Damilola I Adebara must come out and apologize publicly or else we Muslims would close all our accounts with Polaris Bank.
— Captain Kyari MAGUOMERI (Rtd) (@Damkarwa2) October 13, 2022
why are you as a muslim working with polaris bank in the first place? https://t.co/l5jm1K3DKz
— 🧐ام الطهرة (@Rahmatuhu) October 13, 2022
This bank does not like muslims. A staff of the bank is threatening her subordinates that they should not go to jumuat prayers. Damilola I. Adebara muslims are watching you. We were created to serve God not Polaris. See proof attached pic.twitter.com/U3fH1dq1io
— Coolex (@KanoMutumin) October 12, 2022
This isn't a drill every potential Muslim has to perform a juma'a service or prayers. Much banks are active not only Polaris bank so we can expunge our money from it simple.
— Abubakar sadeeque (@GarbaMaiwake) October 13, 2022
Gaddar woh nahi jo Delhi ke 123 Prime property Waqf ko dediya. Just before 2014 election, to polaris Muslim votes.
Gaddar woh thodi hai jisne Waqf Act & Places of worship Act desh ke uper thop diya
Gaddar woh nahi jo scams ker desh ko loot liya.
Gaddar bail pe thodi hote hai.— Ajay Sarkar (@AjaySar36289572) October 8, 2022
