Olubiyi Odunayo, 53, former employee of Hallmark Bank Plc, has embarked on hunger strike to protest against non-payment of his terminal benefit. The ex-banker has turned a garden on Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way into his new home, vowing to remain there until he is paid his benefits.
Hallmark Bank was one of the banks which did not meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapilatisation policy in 2005 resulting in its folding up.
Odunaro, a senior manager of the defunct bank, said he began the hunger strike on November 12.
When PUNCH’s correspondent visited him on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, opposite Opebi U Turn Road junction yesterday [Nov. 20], he was seen reading a novel ‘Long walk to freedom’ by Nelson Mandela.
He explained that he embarked on the protest to expose the insensitivity of the Federal Government to pay the terminal entitlements of over 14,000 employees of the 14 banks that failed to meet up with the recapitalisation policy.
Odunayo said he wrote President Goodluck Jonathan on October 24 informing him of his decision to embark on the hunger strike if the agencies concerned did not pay them their entitlements on or before October 31.
He said:
“I feel downcast with the turn of events in our country and I drew the passion to embark on a hunger strike from my disenchantment to the deliberate denial of common citizens’ rights.
“Before, I began this hunger strike, I sought the consent of my family members and I also underwent a comprehensive medical examination. I erected that tent with N27,000 and it is now my new home.”
Asked if his health has not been deteriorating, Odunaro said, “Though I take water at 8pm everyday, It’s gradually taking a toll on me as I have started losing weight.
“My personal doctor came to examine me on Friday and he said I am not doing bad health wise. There have been pleas from friends and other loved ones to end this strike. But, I will continue with the hunger strike until the FG pays us our lawful entitlements”.
Odunayo said, “On a personal note, I even took it upon myself to get President Goodluck Jonathan informed by posting series of comments about this issue on his Facebook page”. (Sorry, not surprised Reno Omokri hasn’t this; he has been busy fighting dirty with El-Rufai on Twitter)
“Unfortunately, nothing has been done and many of us live a deplorable way of life with the majority unable to meet obligations to their children and other dependants.
“Thirty-eight people from just three banks that I know of have died and one of the employees of Hallmark Bank committed suicide in Aba, Abia State, as a result of his inability to eke out a living”, Odunayo said.
Posted: at 21-11-2012 08:44 AM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac
bestbuky at 21-11-2012 09:08 AM (12 years ago) (f)
i am sorry for you, u better pack your load and go home cos nobody go recognize u if u die in that your tent. i pray those whirlwind that blows will not blow you and your tent away. it would have been better if you and others affected engaged in a peaceful protest to the government house where media people can listen to your story, u can even decide to pitch your tent there. i pray God will fight for u and all your dry fast will not go in vain
Posted: at 21-11-2012 09:08 AM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac
This Oga don read too much books... its not in our culture to go on hunger strike. Since he is trying to expose the FG the best place to carry out his protest is Abuja.
Posted: at 21-11-2012 09:30 AM (12 years ago) | Newbie
jamesbondchick at 21-11-2012 09:59 AM (12 years ago) (f)
So nobody to advise this man eh? If he dies now govt will not even care,abeg make dem go make noise for abuja. Instead of him to use that N27k to go on air & lament, he wan jus kill himsef troway!
If you face me, I go face you and if you do me, I go do you back! Nobody go vex!
Posted: at 21-11-2012 09:59 AM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac
I'll advice u go home sir. U still have 27,000 to erect a tent dat means u still have money money to feed. There are people/family who does nt have money to feed and does nt have hope of food rite now.
Posted: at 21-11-2012 10:39 AM (12 years ago) | Addicted Hero
I'll advice u go home sir. U still have 27,000 to erect a tent dat means u still have money money to feed. There are people/family who does nt have money to feed and does nt have hope of food rite now.
Posted: at 21-11-2012 10:40 AM (12 years ago) | Addicted Hero
This man is fighting for his entitlements and I don’t understand while anyone would condemn him? He is not committing any crime and if he does you will also be the first to castigate him. No wonder Nigerian politicians will continue to take us for a ride because we can’t do anything.
Posted: at 21-11-2012 11:25 AM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac
its not in our culture to go on hunger strike. Since he is trying to expose the FG the best place to carry out his protest is Abuja. 
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