As It Is Written, To Err Is Human, And Forgiveness Is Divine, CAN Accepts Sterling Bank’s Heartfelt Apology
The Oasis Reporters
May 13, 2022
..Easter Advert: Sterling Bank plea to CAN meets favourable response, forgiveness
…Bank’s CEO, management forgiven, says association
When Sterling Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman gets to write a “thank you’ letter to those that helped the Tier-2 financial lender for helping it get a soft landing before CAN over the provocative Easter advert it released to the public, one of the recipients would be Atedo Peterside.
The one time Assistant General Manager of the then NAL Merchant Bank, now Sterling Bank, Atedo Peterside first kick started the need for forgiveness on behalf of the bank.
There is no reason to crucify @Sterling_Bankng. They made a mistake and apologised via their letter below on the #AgegeBread matter. As Christians we should learn to forgive. Let us remember the Lord's prayer and put the natter behind us 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0rsHjorD06
— Atedo Peterside (@AtedoPeterside) April 18, 2022
The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has forgiven the Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, over the provocative and demeaning Easter greeting advertised by the Bank.
The Bank in the said advertisement had compared the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to ‘Agege Bread.’
CAN said the bank had written an acceptable and genuine apology letter dated 20 April 2022 to the CAN personally and signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the CAN General Secretary, Joseph Daramola: “Equally, some well- meaning and highly placed Nigerians have been appealing to CAN to forgive in the Christian spirit and in consonance with the message of Easter.
“As a result of this development, CAN has resolved to forgive Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive. We always remember that ‘to err is human and to forgive is divine.’
“In taking this step, we are following the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who asked God to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross unjustly and has taught us to always forgive.
“We hereby call on all Christians in the country to join us in forgiving Sterling Bank and its management. Those who are considering stopping patronizing the bank as a result of the blunder should stop the process but instead continue doing business with the bank.
“We appeal to corporate institutions, especially the banks, to be more sensitive, considerate and professional in handling their public messages. “Whatever that can cause religious crises in the country should be avoided at all costs, both by the government and the business sector.
“We appreciate our youths who heeded our directive and refused to be dragged into the streets to protest against the bank as being touted in some quarters.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the well-meaning Nigerians who intervened in the matter.
May the blessings of Peacemakers be their portion in Jesus’ name,” CAN said
