On the 4th of August 2015, a list of loan defaulters was published by Nigerian deposit banks, following the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The list of over 1,400 names included prominent Nigerian businessmen, politicians, and billionaires, to the surprise of many.
A major shocker on the list was the name of renowned journalist and member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa. The appearance of her name surprised many because she has gained a respectable reputation as a philanthropist, and a social and political activist over the years.
As an active social media user, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa promptly took to twitter to set the record straight once she saw the published list.
Shocked to see my pic in Punch .Said to owe 100m linked to some co.I OWE no one, not even myself ?Haba!Punch
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) August 4, 2015
Must be mistaken identity.Also writing Diamond bank and CBN to set the records straight .Definitely NOT ME.!!
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) August 4, 2015
The lawmaker did not stop at merely debunking claims of her being a debtor, but went ahead to issue a lawsuit against Diamond Bank Plc and the Punch Newspaper, seeking legal redress to the tune of $2,500,000. “It cost me irreparable damage, it has totally embarrassed me, I found it very very shocking and I just feel that the best thing to do is to seek legal redress in court, ” she told the press.
Realising their mistake, Diamond bank tendered a public apology to Abike Dabiri-Erewa on the pages of two national newspapers on Friday, 7th August 2015, stating that their action was “erroneous and is deeply regretted.”
In response to this apology, the former lawmaker solicited the counsel of Nigerians on twitter whether or not to go ahead with the law suit under the #ifiwasabike.
Hi Tweeps.Retweet if you think i should accept the @DiamondBankNG apology or favorite if you think i should maintain the suit #ifiwasabike
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) August 8, 2015
The never disappointing Nigerian ‘tweeps’ greatly responded, and before long, #ifiwasabike was a trend.
The favorites
You need to sue to set a precedence. Google your name and see why https://t.co/fPVDPMF5wJ
— Olusegun Dada (@DOlusegun) August 8, 2015
#IfIWasAbike I will still sue @DiamondBankNG for unprofessionalism. If u were owing them, they won’t take an apology https://t.co/3uGPWzJ3w7 — Luca (@WorldFamousLuca) August 7, 2015
@abikedabiri @DiamondBankNG go on wit d suit. Our pple re too careless and nonchalant abt tins #ifiwasabike — Beauty shades (@Shantiepantie) August 9, 2015
The retweets
Forgive and forget. Everyone makes mistakes.. And moreover @DiamondBankNG has tendered a public apology @abikedabiri #PowerTV — »̶̥ BRAINBOX »̶̥ (@Brainbox101) August 9, 2015
being a states person dat u r I suggest u let it go. B the bigger person n teach us something new about forgiving. @abikedabiri #ifiwasabike — »̶̥ BRAINBOX »̶̥ (@Brainbox101) August 9, 2015
@abikedabiri@DiamondBankNG madam no one can stain your honour, to me accept the apologies , my regards ma
— Dauda Abimbola (@AbimbolaDauda) August 10, 2015
Judging from the number of favorites and retweets, Nigerians clearly wants the lawmaker to go ahead with the lawsuit and patiently awaits her decision. Maybe Diamond bank’s apology would appeal more if they spark a twitter conversation and trend – #Abikewearesorry, #forgiveDiamondbank, #havemercyNigerians. What do you think?
